Two shocking news stories stir this reflection: the explosive-loaded SUV in Times Square, with its potential to kill and wound hundreds, and the 18-year old who deliberately ran over four other teens. What demonstrations of a lack of respect for life and expressions of the power of hate! They are the complete opposite of the message of Easter, when the power of LOVE was unleashed in a dramatic and assuring way. Yes, Jesus conquered sin and death, but the forces of evil playing on our wounded nature keep posing resistance and obstacles to its complete fulfillment. St. Paul tells us, "The concern of the flesh is death, but the conern of the spirit is life and peace. (Rom 8:6). And again, "God is not the God of disorder but of peace." (cf. 1 Cor. 14:33). "Jesus shows us the way to true peace: obedience to the Father's will rather than to the clamor of self-interest. In living as he lived, we not only live in peace ourselves, we also make a place of peace for all those around us." (Magnificat, May. p. 58). Mary has made peace one of the main messages in her appearances at Medjugorje, referring to herself over and over as the Queen of Peace. When we say in the Hail Mary, "pray for us sinners now and at the hour of death," let us be asking her to give us the gift of peace. She gave us the Prince of Peace in her Son. With his grace and through the victory of his cross, let us pray with confidence that he end "all within and around us that is still dedicated to division and death. " (Magnificat, May p. 59).
Bro. Rene
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