15 May, Friday — Will There Be Peace?

Friday of the 6^th Week of Eastertide

Acts 18:9-18
Jn 16:20-23

…no one will even attempt to hurt you.

“Do not be afraid, go on speaking, for I am with you.”

The Lord spoke these powerful words to St Paul in a vision when he was in Corinth. Going forth fearlessly, Paul then taught the word of God in the city for one and a half years to great effect. He was even protected when the leading Jews arrested him and brought him to the Roman proconsul seeking punishment. The latter was not even interested to intervene! Paul then left Corinth to go to Syria.

Today, like Paul, Pope Leo is speaking out fearlessly as the Vicar of Christ on the tyranny of war and violence. Referencing the Middle East and Ukraine, Pope Leo delivered a powerful homily for peace this year during his Palm Sunday mass. His message reflected on Jesus’s revelation of himself as the King of Peace while he carried his heavy cross down the Via Dolorosa. As Jesus suffered immensely for the sake of humanity, he remained steadfast in meekness and love while others all around him were stirring up violence.

At this homily, Pope Leo also recalled the prophet Isaiah’s words, “even though you make many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood (Is1:15)”. This statement broke the internet as it emphatically rejected using the Christian faith to justify waging war.

Pope Leo then continued his mission to reject violence and war during a subsequent prayer vigil for peace at the tomb of St Peter on April 11. He reiterated in this homily that prayer should be used to promote peace not war. This is because war divides while peace and hope unite. He also rejected the arrogance of others who think they can trample at will upon others. Pope Leo was emphatic at this point. He said “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life!”

The Iran American/Israel war started in late February. To date, it has brought about much death and destruction. Let’s give peace a chance. Let’s do this by praying the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet daily with our fearless Pope Leo!

(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)

Prayer: Now joined in the prayer of the holy rosary, we ask for the intercession of our Mother Mary to build a lasting peace in this world.

Thanksgiving: Thanks be to Jesus, who brings eternal hope for all sinners.