EVERYTHING WILL BE GOOD IF THERE IS PEACE
The theme for our meditation today is: Everything will be Good When There is Peace. As we celebrate today around the world the memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, we can agree that this saint is an outstanding promoter of peace. Just as every time in the celebration of the Eucharist we rejoice in sharing the peace of Christ, we can also do the same when we participate in the message of peace from Saint Francis. His life style proves very clear about the presence of God who brings peace to mankind.
Saint Francis' whole life that embodied poverty and detachment from the world possessions, and then immersed himself to the universe, is truly a source of a constant flow of peaceful energy. His experience of God's peace obtained through the manifestation of the Divine power and glory in nature was truly inevitable. His humble appearance made anyone who saw and met him would be overwhelming with peace. To this moment, the place where Saint Francis left off, namely the City of Assisi, is considered the door of peace for the whole world. The Holy Father once a year invites all world leaders to celebrate the world day of peace in this city, which is located in central Italy.
Saint Francis is a peacemaker. He composed a prayer to be recited and sung, which until now is widely known, namely "Lord, make me a channel of Your love and peace". Through this prayer, Francis wants to teach us to give answers, solutions, and instructions from God to the problems and difficulties faced in this world. This seems to be very connected with his own experience when he was first called by God. Once, while he was praying in a heavily damaged church of San Damiano, the crucified Jesus moved and greeted Francis. Jesus Christ made a request that Francis should repair the damaged church. The situation of the Catholic Church throughout the world at that time was very chaotic, because war and secularization were growing so rapidly. That Church San Damiano until now has been one of the important sites in the City of Assisi to which pilgrims from all over the world would often come to visit.
So Saint Francis brought the same peace that Jesus commanded His apostles. That peace is the joy of the gospel to be preached to people from all walks of life. People who accept the message of peace can admit it or reject it. But for the followers of Christ who imitate Saint Francis of Assisi, have a duty to bring peace and receive peace that they deserve.
Every act of peace that we experience offers us the presence of Jesus Christ who becomes the light and way for our whole life. The good Samaritan in the story of Jesus' parable, provides an example of an act that fosters and strengthens peace. Peace is restored when justice and love are practiced.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father... Our good and loving Father, we ask You to make us always bearers of peace and joy of the Gospel to the world. Glory to the Father and to the Son... In the name of the Father...
