The Peace of Christ

A Reflection on the Second Reading for July 18th, 2021:
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Ephesians
2.13-18

Brothers and sisters: Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both Jews and Gentiles into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.

He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one New Man in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the Cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.

So Christ Jesus came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

The famous Christmas carol, “Silent Night” was written by an Austrian priest after the end of the Napoleonic wars. It was said that the wars had taken their toll on the people. A young Austrian priest was taking a stroll one night and he noticed the quiet and the silence through the winter laden town. Then was born the beloved Christmas carol.

During WW1, the British and the German soldiers laid down their arms in what was famously called the Christmas Truce. On Christmas Eve, the soldiers from across the trenches greeted each other and sang Christmas carols and even shared some of their Christmas goodies. It was all in the spirit of peace and sharing joy at the birth of the Saviour. As the reading says, “He has broken down the dividing wall, the hostility” even if only for that Christmas.

Through our life’s ups and downs, calling on Christ gives us a lot of peace. Many of our conflicts have been resolved by calling on Him to mediate, to allow clarity in our minds and to quiet our angry and hurt hearts. 

As part of the prayer ministry in our parish, there were many occasions when we called on the Lord to ease a difficult situation experienced by our parishioners, to erase resentments and painful memories. We received feedback from some of those we prayed over about how much better their situations had become or how God had led them through a reconciliation. Indeed, many times in our lives we experience the peace that only Christ can give. I have often been amazed and convicted during these times. Even though I say I believe, these examples reinforce my faith because of how Christ really answers our prayers and brings us peace.  

During mass, when the priest says, “May the peace of the Lord be with you always,” and when he says, “Let us offer each other the sign of peace,” we give each other a handshake or a hug (before Covid) and greet each other with “the peace of Christ.” This greeting is not taken lightly because we actually give each other Christ’s peace! What a blessing it is!

In our Sunday services, let us remember this greeting and realize that we are really spreading the peace of Christ to our brothers and sisters in Christ.


Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

 (Silent Night  by Joseph Mohr)




​Liz Venezuela
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