To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Gospel Reflection – Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Peace is the fruit of love
Dear friends,
There’s an old saying: “Peace is the work of justice” (“opus iustitiae pax”). Pope Pius XII even chose it as the motto of his papacy. It’s a wise expression. A peace that is not based on justice—meaning a peace that just hides violence, or is built on fear—is not real peace. It’s just an illusion. Or worse, the “peace of cemeteries.”
But we all know how fragile human justice can be. Too often, those in charge of justice are the ones who commit injustice—like the elders in the Book of Daniel who condemned Susanna, or those who judged Jesus in a false trial. Of course, there are good judges too. But still, justice is often just a mask used by the powerful, no matter their side.
Jesus gives us a different kind of peace—a peace much deeper than anything justice alone can give. This peace is not built on force, but on what seems like weakness. Jesus gives it to His disciples just before going to the cross. His peace is rooted in love—a love that is stronger than death.
That’s why Jesus encourages His disciples—and us—not to be afraid. He tells us to face life’s struggles with the peace He gives us. Even when we face problems because of our mission or because of our faith, we are not alone.
Paul is a great example of this peace and courage. He was always close to death, but nothing could stop him. When they thought he was dead, he stood up again—almost like a sign of the resurrection—and kept going with the mission Jesus had given him.
We live in troubled and divided times (just like every time in history). We’re often tempted to fight back, to create our own “justice” by raising our fists. But Jesus, who gives us His peace, shows us a different way: the way of self-giving love, even to the very end. And like Paul, we’re called to give bold witness—a faith that doesn’t back down, even in the face of trials.
Warm regards,