The starting gun fires, and we’re off, like a sprinter charging up the track, or a racer blasting out of a lane. The race has begun. The journey through Advent towards Christmas has that feel about it, it happens every year, but each time it’s the same, chase, rush, dash, run. What about the discovery - in the midst of all this charging about - to find some Peace. That may not be an absence of noise or a quiet space, but the knowledge that as we journey forward, peace travels along with us, it’s about us and within us.
If you can find a place to sit, be conscious of your breathing, your surroundings, what happens to be on your mind. Think of people and situations in your life, those who share your life. Think of others, in different places and different lands. Read through the passage from Luke 10 v 1-12 about the sending out of the disciples, re-read and place yourself in the story, think of what is ahead of the disciples, think about those who are about to receive them. Peace will mean different things to different people; we will see it in the context of our experience and setting.
We surely pray for peace, but what does it look like?
How does our image of peace differ from those caught up in war and violence?
Just recently at Church we made a series of small black cards with the word ‘Peace’ written across the front in chalk pen and we attached a white ribbon. Although the inside was blank, (this was to allow people to reflect upon what peace meant to them) we encouraged each member of the congregation to come and receive a card during a set of prayers and music. As some people came forward to receive a card, we also gave cards out to those remaining in the pews, in some church traditions, they offer words,
‘The Peace of the Lord, be with you’ to the response, ‘And also with you’.
Peace be upon the house
where you can put your feet up and relax
where the welcome goes beyond
acceptance of the like-minded;
Where doing your duty by the poor
is more than ‘what’s in it for us’ but for the kingdom.
Peace be upon the land
where the less privileged
are empowered to be equal partners with the rest;
where judgement is meted fairly
without an underlying agenda
of revenge or retribution;
where the desire to heal
is in the spirit of all people
Peace be upon our world
where we progressively respect others, different to ourselves;
where conflict is addressed creatively;
where burdens are shared, and the harvest is for everyone,
for the worker deserves their pay.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, stay with us, encircle us with your protection as we walk forward in your company.
You call us to serve and send us out to proclaim your love and goodness.
May peace be in our thoughts and hearts as we share with others. Amen
Peter Thomas
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