We know from Mass that just after we all pray the Our Father, and before the Sign of Peace, the priest prays:

“Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.”

The people then respond, “Amen!”

Since we pray this at every Mass we may not always be struck by what we are asking for (peace and unity) and why (because it’s Jesus' expressed will). Yet, it’s a marvelous prayer and always timely to reflect on it. How much do we need peace and unity in our world, our country, our neighborhoods and parish - and in our own families! It’s what Jesus wants for us!

He explicitly teaches the Apostles that “whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.” Mark 9:40-41

That is, they saw someone claiming to follow Jesus and using His name and authority to do good. But… because he wasn’t registered or certified to do so, the apostles tried to stop him. Jesus - probably gently and maybe with a smile - reminded them “guys, if this person is doing good and speaking well of Me, what’s the problem?”

President Harry Truman is said to have observed: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” Perhaps this is some of the lesson we modern disciples have to learn to better live Jesus’ will: Anyone who loves like Jesus and believes in Jesus as the Son of God will receive the reward, according to Jesus Himself. Maybe they are on a specific committee or have a specific title, maybe they don’t. It’s okay though, because we celebrate each other and everytime Our Lord is praised and loved - and served through works of mercy. To Him be all Glory and Praise, now and forever!

Have a blessed week! It seems the best way toward peace and unity remains prayer. After all, the family that prays together stays together…

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