This week, for Christians around the globe, is holy week. Each year, Easter is not only celebrated after the resurrection day with chocolates and bunnies. Rather, all week. Important are, these means of sharing joy with the child, and inviting him or her to learn about the true meaning of Easter; when he or she is old enough to understand it more fully, it will be in connection with the feelings of joy and redemption. But, it will be understood that the joy comes from Christ’s sacrifice and his power over death. Power, that we are invited to share with Him. The lesson is that life defeats death. So too still exist the realities of war in our world. I am not oversimplifying or taking a defeatist stance on war. While war exists, it can and will be overcome everywhere. Until that time, war is such a tragedy still, that if we live it out each day of our lives… we risk forgetting about the redemptive nature of life. Yet, amidst war, and enduring the suffering – we can moreso appreciate the redemption of life. Also true, if we think only about wars and accept them as second nature each day, then we strive for nothing in defense of life. Do you know that there are 67 countries in our world that are currently involved in war? This figure is according to:
http://www.warsintheworld.com/?page=static1258254223
I wanted to know this number, before praying today to the blessed virgin Mary for peace. My rosary today, is a solitary way in which to ask for her intercession – guiding us toward peace in a way that is more powerful than anything. For all of you who are peacemakers, as you read this post now, I ask you to join me in prayer this holy week. The large number of us who do so together, are unified by the power of Christ. Through prayer, we not only draw personal strength, we also ask for the mechanisms of peace to function and to manifest.