As part of the traditional greetings at Christmas time the Pope prays for peace for the world. I too would ask all of us to pray for peace, first in all our souls, making sure we are living in a state of grace. Then we can reach out to the world praying. I get a sense now many in our parish and the whole world are not at peace in this time in their souls.
We pray for peace and healing for the souls of indigenous people who feel hurt from past actions of Catholics. We now hear that the planned trip of the delegation to Rome to meet Pope Francis was cancelled for health concerns.
We pray also for peace between Russia and Ukraine, peace in Ethiopia, Yemen, and many other places in the world. We pray for peace about the continual health concerns over Covid and so many other diseases in the world.
We should above all trust that the Lord God has a plan whether we hear of wars or calm, whether we find ourselves in good health or poor. We should place all our concerns within the care of Mary’s maternal prayers and trust in the providence of God that He has a plan for our good, not for our woe. This is the peace that the Lord Jesus offers. Will you accept that gift?