Bishop’s Letter: The Lord’s peace is not a peace of measurement

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As Jesus appears to the disciples after His Resurrection, He offers Peace to each one. This Peace is not an earthly peace, one in which two people “shake hands upon an agreement” or resolve a difference. The Peace which Jesus offers is salvific. It is the offering of the eternal Covenant, the bounty of messianic blessing. This Peace is the effect of His Resurrection, for He is gathering the people to take comfort in eternal life. This Peace is not a Peace of measurement, for God’s love has no limits, no bounds. This Peace is the bond of heaven to earth. Jesus tells us to accept this gift of splendor and not be afraid.

Faith-filled in God is Jesus’ call as He has said, “Come follow me.” Through our participation in the Sacraments, we do follow Jesus, even though it may be an imperfect following, for our gaze may not be transfixed on God or our path straight to God — 24/7/365. Yet, Jesus knows we will open our heart to God and return to God when we stumble or fall. We are created by God for God and Jesus is with us as we make our dwelling with Him.

The summer months are soon upon us. For many, it is a period to break from the busyness of life; visiting family, taking trips to other areas, or basking in the love of those with whom you live and are close to you. It may also be a time of spiritual refreshment, as you pray a retreat or make pilgrimages to other churches or shrines. Traditionally, I visit family in Ireland.

The call to be of God is not something from which we ever break. The eternal Covenant which yields the salvific gift of Peace is not a bond to be broken but flourished throughout all our days. When you are thinking about what you might do this summer, consider those for whom you might pray. Make a visit to a relative whom you haven’t seen in quite some time. Call or text a friend who you know has been ill. Remember the poor with donations to the food pantry. Think of ways in which you can serve, so that you are sowing the seeds of God’s Peace with one another, the yield of which will be hope in the Lord.

Plan to participate in the celebration of Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our spiritual life and the food of eternal life.

On Monday, May 26, Memorial Day, we prayed for and honored the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We pray for our “baby priests,” Fathers William Burns and John Triolo, as they begin their parish assignments to serve you, the holy people of God. We pray for our graduates as they go forth to love and serve the Lord.

These summer months, let us pray for one another. Let us be God’s instrument of Peace and bring forth His Divine Love. Let us instill the heart of God’s word upon all our devices! Let us open the door of our soul to make our dwelling with Him.