This past week I was blessed with a time of rest. This rest didn’t include an exciting trip to an exotic destination… well… depending on your definition of exotic destination. My destination was to spend a week with my parents at the family farm. No, it might not have the tourist appeal of the Austrian Alps, the tropical appeal of Hawaii or the historical significance of the Vatican. What the family farm has is something far more powerful and indescribable. It’s home.
Sadly, the week was not a complete time of relaxation. During this time the military actions of Israel, Iran and the United States provided an unsettled backdrop for my time away. Being home offered a space of security, safety and openness to reflect on these events with my parents. As I have heard from many people, our conversations revealed a deep need to pray for peace and deescalation. I was so comforted by the words of Pope Leo XIV when he stated that the world is crying for peace. Our family adds our voices to that cry.
These global events were in striking contrast to the peace I found at home. War cannot steal the peace I experience while watching a sunset. Nor can war remove the peace I feel as red-winged blackbirds care for their nests. Contemplating Creation as the late Pope Francis invited us to do has created in me a clear disposition of heart to have distain for things that bring disquiet to the peace I find in God’s creation.
For example, I can’t fathom how anyone can think war makes sense after watching a sunset over Spring Lake. A bit naive? Yes. Still, when we treat God’s gifts with respect and love we develop an affective heart to protect that gift. And I can’t think of many things that do more harm to God’s gifts than war.
I was blessed with clear skies on the last night of vacation. There’s always a sadness when a good vacations end, but also an awareness that its time to return to our normal routines. For me, that routine is obviously one of ministry the parish I serve. And under the stars of our family farm, I kept asking, “How can I bring this peace I’ve found to the people I serve?” The answer to this question is situational and ongoing, but the call I feel from God is clear: Work for peace – Work for nothing but peace.
Something else that came to me while I was praying was a new series of reflections to offer for you. I’ve mentioned in the past how the Bible tends to be “playful” when it comes to the stars of the night. I thought I would take this playfulness and present the theme of contemplation of creation through the parables. The new series will be dubbed, “Living a Parabolic Life.” Yes, the title itself contains a humorous pun combining parabolas and parables. My hope is this new series of reflections can invite you into the peace I find with the contemplation of creation.
To end, I wish to offer this YouTube video from one of my favorite music groups, Voces8. Their rendition of the stirring patriotic hymn “Finlandia” expresses in music what my words of prayer have been this past week. I pray this inspiring musical reflection may bring you peace as we pray and work for peace.
