Shalom is the Hebrew word for "peace." In the Bible, God's peace—shalom—meant much more than simply the absence of war. It indicated more than a positive state in my soul or a private transaction between God and me.
The longing for God's shalom included those things, but for those radical Jewish believers, peace was much bigger and broader. Shalom meant not only inner peace or spiritual peace; it meant wholeness and completeness throughout all creation. It meant the end of injustice. It meant the rich would no longer devour the poor. It meant all brokenness would be set right and healed. It meant that people would love one another. Shalom would flow deep and broad, embracing all of creation, including plants, animals, and the earth itself.
REFLECTIONS:
- What words or phrases struck me from today's readings?
- What experience(s) offer me an inner feeling of shalom?
IMPORTANT: Please check your e-mail for information concerning our closing prayer service for our 30 Days with Francis retreat. Thank you!
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