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Tuesday, May 15, 2001

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St. Isidore the Farmer (USA)


Acts 14:19-28
Psalm 145
John 14:27-31

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peace talk

" 'Peace' is My farewell to you, My peace is My gift to you; I do not give it to you as the world gives peace." —John 14:27

When Jesus rose from the dead, He met the women leaving His tomb and said: "Peace!" (Mt 28:9) On the evening of His resurrection, Jesus greeted His apostles by twice saying "Peace!" (Jn 20:19, 21) This customary greeting had a great impact on Jesus' disciples, not only because it was spoken by Someone raised from the dead, but also because Jesus had promised shortly before His death that He would leave His disciples in His will the gift of peace (Jn 14:27).

The early Church was very much aware of having inherited Jesus' peace. When Luke gave a progress report on the early Church, he said: "The Church was at peace" (Acts 9:31). Paul taught: "We are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rm 5:1). He spoke of a peace "beyond all understanding" (Phil 4:7). Paul proclaimed that Jesus had made "peace through the blood of His cross" (Col 1:20). Paul even said of Jesus: "It is He Who is our Peace" (Eph 2:14). Paul taught that our inheritance of peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).

Have you claimed your inheritance? Are you at peace? Are you a peacemaker? (Mt 5:9) "Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 1:3).

Prayer:  Father, give me Your shalom, harmony, peace.

Promise:  "They called the congregation together and related all that God had helped them accomplish, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles." —Acts 14:27

Praise:  St. Isidore, a farmer, is known to have several times miraculously supplied the poor with multiplied food. As a farmer, he sowed his seed in faith, and God many times multiplied the seed he sowed and increased Isidore's generous yield (2 Cor 9:10). "The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace" (Jas 3:18).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000