Where Did the Peace Go?

Gospel: Matthew 10: 17-22

It seems like only yesterday that we were present at the stable enjoying the peace of a newborn child and the joy of those gathered at the mystery.  For today we are again presented with the threats to peace: the stoning of Stephen, the blood lust of Herod, and the words of today's Gospel that remind us of the threats to us that are ever present.  

In one sense these threats are ever present.  In the material world we are constantly subject to incessant change and the misfortunes that accompany it.  However, in the spiritual realm we can and must remain fixed in the love of God, our only impermanence in the universe, the only source of eternal peace.  We were drawn to the stable in order to be introduced to this peace so that we might find it and keep it throughout our lives.

This peace can be likened to a home well-prepared and provisioned for a storm.  It remains at peace as the storm rages, knowing the storm will subside and pass at some point.  And even if the storm does overtake it, like Stephen the peace is not lost, for the vision of love found at the stable animates our hearts at all times.