Thought for the Week

Peace and fruit

There is such a lack of peace in the world. But it has ever been thus. But with modern media, we hear and see it immediately and more starkly.

Therefore, shouldn’t we be able to discern the causes and so do something to correct it?

So, when will there be peace? When? When things are quiet? When there is no opposition? At a time when rulers and power are on our side?

On the contrary. After Saint Paul’s conversion, he began preaching to the Hellenists and arguments led to them wanting to kill him.

A persecution was probably going on and yet we are told the Christians in Jerusalem enjoyed peace.

Peace, in the midst of persecution? Peace, when really you should escape? Peace, when we look at a person with suspicion: is someone treacherous or not? Can you trust or not? And yet, peace. Not human peace, but the peace that is in the heart.

Peace, by loving not just with words: it is in action and truth that it is seen to be from the truth and calms the hearts before God, and He remains there.

And if God remains, it’s no wonder that peace develops and matures.

Jesus declared: “My Father is glorified by this: because you bear much fruit.”

A human need is to want to bear fruit. To bring peace.

The world and I must realise peace emerges, it’s not a human creation. Beginning with the most important: our own hearts.

“The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is PEACE.” – Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Father Tony Wood, St Kieran’s RC Church,

Campbeltown.