Holding a Word - Mindfully

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One of the ways I connect with others in ministry is through the interfaith community.  At one time I co-chaired with a local rabbi the Interfaith Clergy Committee of the Palm Beaches.

Among the people I have gotten to know and consider friend and colleague is C.B.  He is an assistant Imam at his mosque and a journalist by trade.  He recently asked some of us to reflect on the days we hold as holy during December.  He said it needed to be ‘tweet’ size but we could go over that word count just a bit.

In these days of Advent into Christmastide into Epiphany, I thought of the word Peace and the need for true peace within ourselves, our various relationships and in our world community.  This is my offering to C.B.’s invitation to ‘tweet:’

Peace – Salaam – Shalom – Paz.  In one word, in every language, the holy seasons of Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, for Christians, is one of peace.   As Jesus says in the Gospel of John:  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives, do I give to you.”  In the midst of these seasons I call holy, will I truly believe in God’s way of peace?

When you consider these seasons we celebrate as holy, what word comes to mind for you?  Then during these days hold that word – mindfully.  Meditate upon it and be open to what you may learn.

Roberta A. Popara, O.P.
North Palm Beach  FL

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