September 16, 2006
Given over to Peace
It is a terribly difficult era we live in. The recent events unfolding in the Middle East and the looming specter of terrorism, combined with economic and social changes in the world, leave one with a feeling of helplessness. As one who lived only a few kilometers from the World Trade Center on September 11 th, I can say with certainty that no one is immune from the problem of terrorism. The recent report of the cracking of a plot by dozens of terrorists to explode airliners from England to the U.S. confirms the reality that we live in a time when safety is no longer guaranteed for any person.
It all reminds me of a ship at sea that is weathering a violent storm at night. The crew aboard the vessel looks for the lighthouse with ever greater longing, and indeed, the lighthouse is a supremely blessed vision when it is finally spotted. Without question, its light is the cause of great hope and assuredness that all will be well. Suddenly the threat of the storm evaporates and the crew works with renewed vigor to reach the lighthouse and its safe harbor.
Now more than ever, we who believe must have Jesus and His Gospel at the center of our vision. It is a time to work for peace by working for conversion to Christ. His is the light that shines brighter as the storm grows darker. Other lights disappear in the darkness of the storm, but it is only the light of Christ that shines brighter as the storm rages on. Some may be grateful for the storm, as it makes the light of Christ appear more glorious.
The solution to any temporal problem has its origin in Christ Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. We remember the conversion of the Roman Empire, the collapse of Soviet Communism, the heroic martyrs of the Nazi travesty, and many more chapters in history that display God’s mighty power to save, convert, and inject peace into the sickly body of human affairs. On a personal level, I’m sure each of us can recall a story that demonstrates the work of God and His merciful providence.
Let the troubling news of our day be a reminder to us to return to prayer and fasting with renewed vigor—for some spirits can only be cast out with prayer and fasting, as our Lord reveals in the Gospel. If we desire peace, let us turn again to Christ, and may we introduce everyone we meet to the Prince of Peace and the King of Kings.
Br. Crispin Rinaldi, CFR
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