The Gift of Peace.
Dear Parishioners,
There is a deep sense of excitement and newness associated with the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The paschal mystery offers us a fresh outlook to everything, beginning with how we see God to how we speak of him and relate with one another. The door is wide open to welcome anyone who desires to be part of the new dispensation. In this Easter season, we recall in our scriptures how the Disciples carried out the mandate they received. They were not ashamed of the Gospel, and nothing seemed to slow them from speaking about Jesus.
Success is an exhilarating feeling. With a record number of converts, this small band of Christ followers were more motivated and inspired. Seeing their number swell gives credence that Jesus is blessing their work. Paul and Barnabas enthusiastically report on the admission of the Gentiles to the church. In the early Church it was taken for granted that Christianity was for Jews only. There were some individuals among the early Christians who objected to admitting Gentiles who were attracted to the message of Jesus, to the Christian community.
They did not recognize what God was doing. Even the apostle Peter was challenged on the point, and he responded by explaining the vision he had, which makes it clear that God was calling all people to salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the gate, as he declares in the gospel. Through him all peoples are invited to enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus Christ, the prince of peace, said to his disciples, “I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you.” Often, we define peace in negative ways, such as “an absence of war between nations, or a lack of turmoil within a family, or freedom from anxiety in one’s heart.” However, the true peace that Jesus offers is positive. It brings tranquility, collaboration and harmony which comes from unity.
A family is at peace, not when everyone has left the house; rather, when they have learned to live together in harmony. Likewise, “a person is at peace, not when he ignores his problems, but when he has come to rest confidently in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.” Therefore, peace comes when one is truly in union with God. God is the source of unity. Jesus declares “Father and I are one.”
Last week, the world celebrated with great enthusiasm the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost to the see of Rome, as Pope Leo XIV, vicar of Christ, bishop of Rome and successor of St. Peter. For the Christian community in America, his election first of a kind and reflects the rich blessings and legacy of fruitful missionary growth in our land despite our challenges. There was a true sense of peace, awe and pride. We feel that God visited us and poured and showered the world with the dews of peace.
The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, in his first public speech to the crowds in St. Peter’ Square, repeats the message of Christ “Peace be with you all! Beloved brothers and sisters, this is the first greetings of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who has given his life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, reach your families, to all people, wherever they may be, to all peoples, to all the earth. Peace be with you!”
Let us unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, and in turn he unites all of us with each other. He is our bond of union, especially at the Eucharistic celebration. The grace of holy communion brings true peace in our hearts, assisting us to live in peace with each other.
Sincerely Yours in the Lord,
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
