a peace beyond force

Good morning sisters and brothers,
The news of Osama bin Laden's death stirred up many emotions for people. Some feel joy, or relief, others feel sadness or anxiety. We are all created in God's image and we all have meaning and value. And we know this one death won't end the wars we are fighting or the fear of terrorism. So maybe we feel torn, and regardless of how we feel, we pray for peace.

In our reading for today we are reminded that human power doesn't give us safety or eternal peace. Only God can do that, and he does it through the love of Jesus Christ. We are called to trust God and then to engage in our world for peace, justice and love. Peter talks about "living in reverent fear during the time of your exile." In this case by exile he probably means our life where we often feel separated, exiled, from God. The truth is, where ever we are, God is with us and in each of us. We can always lean on God to guide and care for us, because in Christ we see how far that love will go.

God bless,
Sam

1 Peter 1:17-21

17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.