Gospel of Peace
Week #8
In the Catholic school where I teach, the students and staff attend mass together on a weekly basis. I find myself drawn to the liturgy. One of my favorite parts is the way the congregation responds to the priest’s “Peace be with you” with the words, “And with your spirit.”
One of the priests is at our parish for a period of rest from the difficult and dangerous conditions he is ministering under in his home country. Knowing a little of his backstory, I feel myself responding to his “Peace be with you” with a whole-hearted “And with your spirit.” I very much hope that he is experiencing a healing rest among us.
Living in a country of relative safety and security, our passing of the peace in America has the tendency to become routine. But in this world, we will all have trouble. Jesus said so:
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
As His followers, we need to echo His words of peace to each other:
“Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36)
“Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 28:10)
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for it will have trouble enough of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
“Be still and know that God is God [and in control.]” (Psalm 46:10)
“All the days ordained for us were written in God’s book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16)
Watch the BibleProject:
Book of Micah
Discussion Questions
Opening Question:
Based on all that we have studied about Biblical peace, what are some conditions you see as being the opposite of peace?
Core Question #1:
How does the Bible Project’s explanation of ‘shalom’ add to your understanding of peace?
Core Question #2:
Do we live like our personal peace is dependent on universal peace? In other words, do our words and actions move humanity toward a wholeness and healing of all, as if our personal peace is tied to others experiencing it too? If not, how could we live into our role as peace-makers?
Core Question #3:
Which of the ‘peace by with you’ statements resonates with you? What other scriptures, quotes, or phrases could be used as messages of “Peace Be With You?”
Core Question #4:
How is “passing of the peace” modeled by Jesus?
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:19-23)
Concluding Question:
In what ways could we as Christians ‘pass the peace’ to people both inside and outside of the church?