Sunday Reflection: A Spirit of Peace

The Incredulity of St. Thomas by Caravaggio

A prayer for peace to surround the families and friends of the Humboldt Broncos and the truck driver... and all who grieve...

You return to us
after your ordeal
wounded
but
glorious.

Put your finger here and see my hands,
you say,
because we will recognize you by the marks of what happened to you,
and because we need to feel your warmth and solidity,
your presence among us.

Reach out your hand and put it in my side,
you say.

Are you telling us that it is possible to live with our own woundedness
as you live with yours?

Do not doubt, but believe,
you tell us.

We look at our own lives
and the many moments
when we have been wounded
by things beyond our control,
by others,
and by personal struggles,
foibles and failures.

And you stand among us
as we are wounded
by things beyond our control,
by others,
and by personal struggles,
foibles and failures.

You dare to tell us that
peace is possible.

Peace be with you,
you say.

Do not doubt, 
but believe.

In the face of horrendous accidents,
the deaths of friends,
and our mistakes and insecurities
you breathe your peace on us,
saying,
Receive the Holy Spirit. 

Blessed are those who have not seen 
and yet have come to believe.

In these days of grief and loss,
Lord,
we believe.
Help our unbelief.
Fill us all with your peace.

+Amen.