Shalom

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.   Ephesians 4:2-6 NIV
 

Pax vobiscum! Peace be with you! Shalom!

What is the picture of "perfect peace" that comes to your mind? Could it be of a quiet lake with the opposite shore and skyline reflecting tranquilly off the water's surface? Perhaps it would be a picture of a quiet moment shared by loved ones. Or could it be of a bird sitting on a nest behind a water fall? The base of the fall was just a few feet away from her nest. The pool was frothing from the cascade and the sky was wild with storm clouds. Maybe not... The noise and constant dripping off the mist condensing on the rocks overhead seems anything but peaceful.

There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The King looked at all the pictures, and he chose the picture of the bird sitting on her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest... perfect peace.

Do you know why? "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid. John 14:27 (Contemporary English Version)

Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, May we be united by the peace we receive when Jesus is in our heart; patient, caring and calm from your love! For we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.