There
is a whole lot in the gospel of the sending of the seventy-two. One message is peace. So many are anxious
about this world; it is the time to bring peace. It is a time for us to find peace.
Peace
is found in different ways. Most think of peace as absence of war and violence.
There is also peace in a society free of civil unrest. Peace is found in
family, friends, and communities were love abounds. Yet, we forget that true peace
begins must begin in one’s self.
The
truth to peace is no secret; but, it is a truth that is hard for the world.
Peace is found in answering God’s call to share the good news that is the
Kingdom of God.
It
is a peace of inner tranquility and freedom.
That
is the peace we must find it our self though Christ. Then we are to bring it to
those around us in the community and society we live; sharing the peace that is
a relationship with God through Jesus Christ with one another person. Realizing
and sharing the peace found in the Kingdom of God. By that, one person can bring
true peace to the world.
Jesus
sent out seventy-two others in pairs to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He instructed them share their peace.
Sharing
peace is promoting justice. Justice is respects the dignity and personhood in
everyone. Since we are to share peace we must bring justice. Justice found in
the truth each and every person is made in God’s image and is loved by God.
The
virtue of this truth gives the justice of dignity. Dignity is the justice of recognizing
the image of God in each person. Peace and mercy come to all who follow this
rule.
Justice
for all is not always popular. Peace is hard even for clergy and religious. All
fall to the temptation and allurement of the world. It is hard to find peace when
the world tell us it is not Jesus but stuff that will brings peace.
Temptation
tries those with the closest relationship with God. It tempted Adam. It tempted
Eve.
Jesus
warned his disciples about this, “Do not rejoice because the spirits are
subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
Peace
is not found in possessions, but in prayer. Peace is not success feeding your ego;
but, it is surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Peace is not found in any relationship
made of this world; but, it is found in a relationship with Christ. Peace is
found in recognizing truth, justice, and dignity. Friends, these are the
building blocks of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus
entrusts us with the same message given to the seventy-two. “Know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.” That
is a message we should declare to all, beginning with our self. .
But
he also gave this this message, “Into whatever
house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.'” The household begins
in each and every one of us.
Be
good, be holy, and preach the good news of the Kingdom of God by the way you
live your life and love one another. Amen.
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