The two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (LK 24:35-36)
I often consider what I want most. What do I really need? What do we all really need to be happy? Surely, we have come to know and experience God’s love for us at one time or another in our life. Even if we don’t experience God’s love every day or perhaps often, we know God’s love saving us each and every day, saving us each and every moment. God has proved his love for us. Even when we feel left out or unloved, we have to know God still loves us, he has forgiven us, he remains with us, he provides for all our needs. Just look an image of the Nativity. Take time to really see how much Christ suffered and was punished in his Passion. Gaze upon the Cross and know how much God loves you. Do not let yourself be deceived – God truly loves you. He really loves you. You are his beloved. Then, if we come to know God’s love saving us each day and have experienced his divine mercy, other than water, food, air and shelter, what do we really need? I think the world is in great need of peace. I know I need it now and always. I long for peace. I really need it. I desire it. I try to remain in God’s peace always. I was inspired once to begin a reflection talk by asking the participants if peace was possible – is peace possible for you? The question took most of us by surprise. Most truly believe that peace is not possible. Peace is impossible for them. I have come to realize that not only is peace possible, but it is necessary. It is the object of a restless soul. Peace is what our hearts long for the most, what our minds truly need. Peace is something we desire, something we long for, something we cannot live without. The challenge for us is to consider peace in divine terms rather than worldly terms. We tend to think of peace as momentary freedom or a brief quiet moment from all the noise, bickering or fighting. We see it as freedom from all worries and cares, freedom from financial burdens, freedom from parental duties, freedom from work responsibilities. Although, these might give us a sense of freedom and momentary peace, we would use the free time in others ways to be imprisoned, to allow other things to possess us, to find other ways to occupy our time, to allow other people and demands to enslave us – rather than to simply rest in God’s presence and be consumed by his peace. May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts this day and remain in your lives forever. God’s peace always.