Peace is the Gift of Wholeness

Homily for Thursday of the First Week in Advent

The oracle from the Prophet Isaiah today speaks of the nation of firm purpose that God keeps in peace. So often, we think of peace as the absence of violence or war. This negative definition of peace is valid, but a more positive definition of peace would include certain gifts that come from God: security, joy, and, perhaps more importantly, completeness. Imagine that every time we speak peace to someone, each time we greet them with the peace of Christ as we do at every Eucharist, we are praying for them to be complete. And as we pray for them, we pray for our own wholeness.

In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus tells us that the wise person builds a house on rock. This security comes from hearing the word of God and acting upon it.

Psalm 118 is used as a response to our readings today. While the Psalm speaks eloquently about gratitude, the atmosphere that the Psalm evokes is certainly an atmosphere of joy. Our joy knows no bounds. When we find ourselves secure in peace.

Finally, our peace must include our own personal wholeness. This comes when we place our lives at the service of others. To be whole, one must realize that one’s life is not given to them simply for themselves. Our lives were meant to be shared with others. Jesus is the perfect example of this kind of completeness, this kind of wholeness, for he literally dies for others so that we can also live our lives for him.

As we approach the table of the Lord today to receive communion, we will be receiving the Prince of Peace. Let us greet him with our own “shalom” as we welcome him with open hearts and open ears.