We live in a very un-peaceful world. People have said this, with good reason for generations, yet it is as true now as it has ever been. There is a great deal of unrest globally, in our communities and sometimes in our families.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers..." or in some translations, "Happy are the peacemakers..."

The Easter stories coupled with a small booklet that I came upon prompted me along the path where I have been reflecting on: How can I, as a Vincentian, be more of a peacemaker? Why should I want to?

In the Easter gospels, Jesus appeared to his friends who were locked in a room because they were so afraid. They had seen what happened to Jesus, at least what happened before they became so terrified that most of them ran away and hid. So they waited, in fear, for the authorities to come after them. Suddenly Jesus appeared an said those now familiar words, "Peace be with you,"

I picked up a little book by Sister Mary Rose McGready, a member of the Daughters of Charity, St, Vincent and St. Louise's order. Sister Mary Rose was called ‘the Mother Teresa of street children" and was the president of Covenant House for 13 years. The introduction to the book is a litany of her accomplishments but the book itself is a series of simple stories about individual teens that Sister Mary Rose encountered and tried to help. The common thread is that every one of these street kids was living in great distress and sometimes the best thing that Sister Mary Rose had to offer was a little peace.

As we have personal contact with the poor, Vincentians see our neighbours suffering from such a lack of peace! How can anyone who doesn't have adequate food, shelter, money, or safety feel any peace? Can the young parent whose children's needs are not being met be peaceful? Can a prisoner who knows she/he is innocent? Can a homeless man or woman? We do our best to provide short term assistance and longer term advocacy, but what about peace? Is peace even possible for our friends who need us?

I like the New American Bible translation of one of Jesus' final conversations with his closest friends when he said: "Peace is my farewell to you. My peace is my gift to you. Do not be distressed or fearful." That is Jesus' gift to us and it is a gift that we share.

We share the peace of Christ when we visit homes as invited guests, or when we visit prisoners, or the sick or the lonely, and we listen. Sometimes that is just about all we can do. But remember that those who need us might have no one else who can or will listen.

We share Christ's peace when we pray for or with our friends who need us. Praying with those who need us might be difficult, but we can always ask, "Can I pray for you?" Sometimes just knowing that someone is praying for me gives me a bit of peace. Perhaps it will help someone else to know that I am praying for her/him.

And when we greet or part company with our friends, instead of saying ‘Hello' or ‘Good Bye' or ‘God Bless You', can we instead try saying what Jesus said, "Peace be with you"?

May the peace of Christ be with you, Denise Bondy

April 21, 2015