Pastor’s Corner – May 11, 2025
Peace Be With You/Revelation 7:16-17
“They shall no longer experience hunger or thirst; the sun and scorching heat shall no longer harm them, for the Lamb, the central figure of the throne, will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of the water of life, and God will eliminate every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:16-17
“Peace be with you!” These are the first words spoken by newly minted Pope Leo XIV. The first pope from the USA, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is from Chicago and Augustine Order. There is a lot of excitement for 1.4 billion Catholics around the world. He is known as a centralist with progressive values in certain justice issues, especially for the poor and the marginalized. The ecumenical bodies and interfaith communities are looking forward to journeying with him toward a future that is more compassionate. There are a lot of congratulations from all over the world as we celebrate this new leadership, more so in times as we are living in today. In the past he was explicit in terms of how he feels about the current administration and Trump’s first term on violations of human rights. It’s no wonder some MAGA accuse him as “Woke Communist Pope!” I think this is a good sign, an indication he has done something right! After all that’s the same accusations we at WPPC have been graced with.
This coming Sunday, the lectionary readings remind us of the pastoral nature of Christ. The sense of protection in the Gospel of John, and the comfort the persecuted churches in Revelations received, remind us during the Easter season of the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding. During his post-resurrection appearances Jesus said “Peace be with you.” On the shore of Galilee he fed his disciples to extend that compassion, to imitate his mission of love that’s not easy but we as human beings are capable, to love unconditionally that’s fundamental to our humanity.
The question I would like to ask and ponder with you in our historic moment is this: what does it mean to receive the peace of Christ and share that peace in our world? It is said that peace is not an absence of conflict but to find peace in the midst of it. The way to peace is peace! The wisdom from Psalm 23 reminds us that our lives are held by the one in whom we are not in want. It is a pastoral psalm in times of distress, comfort and balm to our souls. The underlying message throughout the Easter Season is one of pastoral comfort from Christ. The strength we need to overcome what lies ahead and to be bold in our witness as agents of change and peace makers. May the blessings of Christ, the Prince of Peace be with us as we celebrate with our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ! Pastor Dae