DAY 27 of our Retreat

On Monday morning during his talk at the Interfaith Breakfast, Rabbi Brian Micheslon offered me an insight about peace that I had never heard of or thought about before.  He explained that , in the Jewish tradition, followers of Judaism especially honor the understanding that PEACE/SHALOM also means "to be complete." "Thus," he explained, "we need each other in order to be complete, and that completeness can only come about through peace."

This fits so beautifully with today's readings in which we are invited to "Come to the dance."  "Come to the Dance of Life," says Francis.  "Come to the Party of Joy." As they say, "The party won't be complete without you." 

REFLECTIONS:

• In what way(s) is God inviting me to be a participant in the "Party of Life"?  What would bring more joy and more peace to my life?

• What is the deepest happiness I experience?  If I squint, do I think I can find God in that happiness?

DAY 25 of our Retreat

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!