KykNET Lent Guide 2023Sample

Week 2: Peace

Day 3: Peace as Wellbeing

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matt 5:9 NIV

Jesus is a peacemaker. His peace does not only mean the absence of war. It is not merely the presence of harmony and peacefulness. In the words of Henri Nouwen: “His peace is the fullness of wellbeing.” Jesus says: “My own peace I give to you, a peace the world cannot give, it is my gift to you.” (John 14:27 paraphrase).

The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, which means wellbeing of spirit, heart, and body. It is applicable individually as well as in the community. It can exist in the midst of a war-torn world, even amidst unsolved problems and a rise in human conflict. Jesus brought this peace by giving His life to us. Are we willing to give our lives in the service of peace?

Exercise:

Today you are invited to give your life in the service of peace by helping someone in need: a child, a sick person, an old or weakened person. There are many forms of help: to bring a smile to a stranger’s face; to react with loving friendliness to someone who acts in a hurtful way towards you or someone else; to send an anonymous gift or to offer your assistance without requiring thanks or recognition.

Repetition Prayer:

God, I ask for the grace to experience your peace that surpasses all understanding.