The Peace of the Lord
On August 15th we celebrate the end of Pacific War. As you know, from December 8th, 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, until August 15th, 1945 Japan fought against USA, Great Britain, Holland, Australia and China for almost four years. Over than 3 million people including civilians were sacrificed in this war. We have not known the exact numbers of victims in Asian countries involved in this war yet.
Catholic Church in Japan mourn for all victims for 10 days from August 6th to 15th every year and pray heartily that the world peace without war will be realized.
By the way, we are exchanging greetings of peace in a Mass each other saying "Peace be with you, Peace be with you". In Japan we greet each other only with a slight bow. But in foreign countries they usually shake hands or hug each other. In this case we can perceive each other's body temperature by touching skin. Although we cannot necessarily say which one is a better way of greeting of peace, many foreigners might be not satisfied in a Mass in Japan.
Anyway, do we really realize the deep meaning of the greeting of peace? When the disciples who locked themselves up for fear of the Jews, Jesus stood in the midst and said them, "Peace be with you" twice. Then he breathed on them and entrusted the mission to forgive sins of the people saying "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn20:19-23). Couldn't we say this mission is none other than the mission to bring the Peace of the Lord as genuine peace to the people? We all are invited both privately and publicly to live the Peace of the Lord in our life.
Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of the hatred that separated us. (Eph2:14)
Pastor Fr. Paul A. Kunori o.c.d.