Importance of PEACE in Luke

All cultures, all languages have their ways of greeting one another. In Indonesia they say Selamat Pagi for Good Morning. Chinese say Ni Hao, Bonjour for French, Hola in Spanish, Ohio in Japan means hello; Namaste in Hindi. Hebrew have a unique way of greeting: greeting with a rare word: Peace – Shalom.

Many accomplished people of the world when asked ‘what is one thing that you feel you lacked all your life?’, Many countries of the world when asked, ‘what do you lack as a country?’ or , ‘what is your prime threat?’, the immediate answer would be in connection with peace. Peace is integral to people personally as well as collectively. Man sees the need to be at peace with himself. All politics, internationality, religious diversity, ethnic plurality, inculturation stress the prime importance of Peace.

In today’s gospel Jesus tells his people to greet first the people with this greeting: Peace to this household. It is so much similar to ‘Peace be with you’ before the communion during the mass. What do we actually convey when we exchange peace with each other? Peace with God is the highest form of inward satisfaction that will reflect upon the outward person. The sign of peace expressive gesture which the faithful are invited to make as a manifestation of the People of God's acceptance of all that has been accomplished in the celebration and of the commitment to mutual love which is made in sharing the one bread, with the demanding words of Christ in mind in Mt 5:23-24.When we make Shalom present in each home, we actually live the Eucharistic values and spirit in our homes. The Sign of Peace by a hand shake is filled with meaning, graciousness, and Christian inspiration.

What are the little ways we experience the peace of Christ in our hearts? What are the ways we take part in bringing peace in our surrounding? Are we at peace with ourselves, with God and with our neighbours? Amen.