Shalom!

Peace Be With You

The word “Shalom” does not translate well; “peace” is usually used in English translations but it does not connote the rich meaning: completeness, perfection, a condition in which nothing is lacking.

Shalom was and is the common Jewish formula of greeting and farewell. The word also has a much deeper significance however, as an expression of the harmony and communion with God that is the seal of the covenant (see Numbers 6:24-26). Shalom came to have an eschatological and messianic meaning (see Isaiah 9:6), virtually the same as salvation. It is this spiritual tranquility that Christ gives, which has no resemblance to what the world gives.

At Holy Mass, we say “Peace be with you” to our fellow parishioners. What Jesus said and meant was “Shalom.” He did not mean an absence of conflict as “peace” can seem to suggest. He meant much more when he met the Apostles after his resurrection and showed them his hands and his side then said “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 

Jesus was sent with authority to bring about healing and repentance; to heal the Church through forgiveness of sins. The sinful nature of man is what had kept him from God all through the Old Covenant. He is sending them with the same authority with which He was given.

The mission for us today is the same. We must first accept the Father’s love and forgiveness by being “healed” ourselves in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We must go to frequent confession to be in a “state of grace” and to remain there.

Father Javier at the recent pet blessing Mass asked this question specifically.“Are you in a state of grace?” Which means do you have any mortal sins on your soul? When was the last time you went to Confession?

If not in a state of grace, should you be receiving the most precious body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Yes, we need the Eucharist to feed and sustain us on our pilgrim journey. But we also should not be receiving Him unworthily in a state of mortal sin.

Being in a state of grace is true freedom. The freedom to do what is right and good. To help others to do the same. To serve God and others.

Then remember when we come to the “Sign of Peace” at Holy Mass, “Peace be with you” means “Shalom!”

Vivat Jesus!

Jesus, Mary and Joseph (J.M.J.), Pray for Us!