II Sunday of Advent: Bethlehem Candle Peace

Peace be with you

As we journey through the second week of Advent, we reflect on the theme of peace. Hope helps us to have peace, which in turn gives us joy. But what is peace, really? The Hebrew word "shalom" means peace, which is often perceived as the absence of conflicts. The beautiful prayer of the Psalm 122:6-8:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

“May they prosper who love you.

“May peace be within your walls,

And prosperity within your palaces.”

For the sake of my brothers and my friends,

I will now say, “May peace be within you.”

Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize, is a remarkable example of someone who embodied peace. Despite holding a prestigious position, she felt a sense of hollowness until she found her true calling in the streets of Calcutta.

Let us use love and compassion. Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don't really want to smile at all. Do it for peace - Mother Teresa

“The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace” - Mother Teresa

So, what is peace? Here are five key aspects:

Peace is a gift from God: In the book of Numbers, God instructed Moses and Aaron to bless the people with peace, saying, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26, RSV).

Peace is the fruit of righteousness: Prophet Isaiah wrote, "The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever" (Isaiah 32:17, RSV). As the prophet Isaiah foretold, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, RSV).

Jesus offered peace of reconciliation to his apostles after his resurrection, saying, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19-21, RSV). Jesus, the Prince of Peace, gave this peace to us. As Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you" (John 14:27, RSV).

Peace is not determined by circumstances: St. Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, wrote in his letter to the Philippians, "I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11, RSV). This letter, written from prison, shows that Paul's peace was not determined by his circumstances. He affirmed this in his letter to the Romans, "Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1, RSV).

Peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: St. Paul wrote to the Galatians, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23, RSV). This peace is a supernatural gift that comes from the Holy Spirit, guiding us to live a life of love, joy, and harmony with God and others.

Readings

Isaiah 11:1-10 describes the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the peace He will bring. A shoot will come from the stump of Jesse (David's father), referring to Jesus' lineage (v1). The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, empowering Him for ministry (v2). He will bring wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (v2). He will judge with justice and righteousness, bringing peace to the nations (v3-5). Harmony will reign in nature, symbolizing the restoration of creation (v6-9). The "Root of Jesse" will be a signal to the nations, gathering people from all over (v10). Jesus as the Messiah, bringing peace, justice, and harmony to a broken world.

Romans 15:4-9 is a powerful passage that highlights the importance of living in harmony with others, even in the face of adversity. Everything written in Scripture is for our instruction, so we can have hope and encouragement (v4). God gives us endurance and encouragement, so we can live in harmony with one another (v5). We should accept one another, just as Christ accepted us, to bring praise to God (v6-7). Christ became a servant to the circumcised (Jews) to show God's truthfulness and confirm the promises made to the patriarchs (v8). Gentiles (non-Jews) are now able to glorify God for His mercy, as written in Psalm 18:49 (v9). This passage emphasizes the importance of unity, acceptance, and living in harmony with others, just as Christ has accepted us. It also highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire for all people to come to know Him.

Matthew 3:1-12 describes the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance (v1-2). He was a prophet who fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 40:3), preparing the way for the Lord (v3). John's message was one of repentance, baptism, and producing fruit worthy of repentance (v4-8). He warned the Pharisees and Sadducees of the coming wrath and the need for genuine repentance (v9-10). John baptized with water, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, judging the wicked and purifying the righteous (v11-12).

Peace is a gift from God, embodied in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. It is the fruit of righteousness, harvested in reconciliation, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit, guiding us to live a life of love and harmony. May we strive to cultivate peace in our lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and righteousness.