Violence is an ever present reality in our world. Throughout history and up to our time, the killing of people by our tongues (character assassination), or by an instrument that leads to death, or through a systematic approach by war, all result in pain and loss to those who survive. How do we as God’s people make a difference? Jesus tells us that we are blessed, and are identified as children of God, when we choose to be peacemakers (Mt. 5:9). He guides us in today’s gospel to get rid of anger (Mt. 5:20-26), the root cause of violence. Anger is a trigger that leads to injury. Identifying and then stepping away from those “triggers” of anger will yield to peace. Lord Jesus, we acknowledge You as the Prince of peace. May Your Spirit help us to identify those triggers of anger in our lives, so that we may not react to them, but be led into Your ways of peace and serenity. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/022318.cfm