Bring Peace
"Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.'” (Luke 10:5)
"Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.'” (Luke 10:5)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus commissions seventy-two of His followers for a unique mission. They were assigned to towns and villages, preparing people for Jesus’ ministry.
As Eucharistic people, we are called to live as “Sacrament of peace” for two reasons: first, because it is the sacrament by which humankind is reconciled to God; and second, because it is the sacrament by which humankind is reconciled to one another.
As we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi tomorrow, let us reflect on the peace prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
How can the Eucharist help us to be an instrument of peace to the people whom we meet every day?
Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are Yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, “Peace to you” – please grant us peace. Amen.
Sr. Sherly Vazhappilly was born and raised in India by her parents and three brothers. She entered the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth and received her Perpetual Vows in 1998. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in educational leadership, she taught in Montessori Early Childhood, Elementary, middle school, and served as an assistant principal. She currently works as the Vicar for Religious and Associate Director of Vocations at the Diocese of St. Petersburg. She loves reading the Bible and watching baseball (Go Rays!). She loves the motto of St. Francis: “Preach the Gospel at all times; Use words when necessary.”
