Is 2, 1-5 • Ps 121 • Rm 13, 11-14a • Mt 24, 37-44
Dear brothers and sisters in Saint Dominic,
In this month dedicated to Peace, the Word of God powerfully enlightens us on our role as builders of a new world, a world according to the heart of God, a world of Peace. Today’s texts invite us to hope, conversion and active vigilance in order to welcome the reign of peace.
Isaiah gives us a prophetic vision: “From their swords, they will forge plowshares.” It is the dream of a world without war, without hatred, where peoples gather not to fight each other, but to walk in the light of the Lord. It is a vision of a world of peace that calls for the de-escalation of violence, for reconciliation between peoples and families.
In a world where conflicts, even in our homes, are increasing, this prophecy is a call to choose another path, that of dialogue, forgiveness, justice, truth and mutual respect.
In the second reading, taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, the apostle urges us: “The hour has come to wake up from your slumber.” Peace can only come if we change our lives, if we reject the “works of darkness”: jealousy, disputes, selfishness, hatred. We must put on Christ, in other words, adopt his gaze, his gentleness, his patience.
Peace begins in our hearts, then in our families, our neighbourhoods, our society. As long as we do not have inner peace, we will continue to transmit the conflict. We must therefore be peacemakers in this country where violence, tribalism, injustice, social inequalities, revenge and hatred become common currency.
As for the gospel, it calls us to vigilance and responsibility. Jesus tells us: “Be ready.” True Peace is not a distant utopia, it begins today, in small gestures: a soothing word, a fraternal dialogue, an ethnic unity, a national concordance, a disinterested acceptance, a service offered, a pardon given, an applied charity, an evangelical love, etc.
Dear brothers and sisters, the month of Peace is not a slogan. It is a concrete path that God traces for us:
- Seek the light of God like Isaiah,
- Change your life as Paul asks,
- Watch actively as Jesus teaches.
May each of us become an artisan of peace, where he lives, in his house, at school, at work, in the community. And then, the prophecy of Isaiah can become reality: “There will be no more war…” and we will take part in the gathering of all nations to enjoy eternal peace in the Kingdom of God.
May the Prince of true Peace support us in our fight for peace in Truth and Justice in Cameroon.
Amen.
Father Dieu Béni ZAMBA ZAMBA, OP
