I’m reflecting on these words from today’s first reading. In his second letter to the Thessalonians St Paul writes:
“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace all the time and in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
They have particular resonance in the light of today’s news, which gives the impression that there is almost nowhere in the world where peace prevails. In such a challenging scenario it’s tempting to dismiss his words as too idealistic for such troubled times.
But the gospel calls us to hope, not hopelessness. In his own challenging and violent times St Paul was able to write these words of hope and believe in them because of the good news of the gospel.
Today were celebrating the feast of St Augustine of Hippo. His writing was hugely influential in shaping Western Christian thought and theology. He also lived in violent and challenging times as the Roman Empire disintegrated around him.
Like St Paul, St Augustine was able to face his times with courage and hope because of his faith in the gospel and it’s promise. In many ways we face the same dilemma that they did. It’s not easy to be hopeful in our own challenging and violent times.
It’s hard to see people suffer and not be able to fix things. Yet it is in precisely these times that we are called to follow their example, to seek and share the peace of Christ wherever and however we can.
Where are you aware of needing the Lord of peace to bring peace to your life today?