Beginning from Jerusalem
This week’s Gospel passage, Luke 24: 35-48, ends with the phrase, ‘…beginning from Jerusalem…’. As I watched the missiles streaking across the sky and the air defenses scrambling to intercept them over Jerusalem, the weight of those words hung heavy in my mind: Earlier in Luke 19, looking at the city of Jerusalem the evangelist tells us, ‘And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes’.
I experienced a profound sense of sadness. In the chaos of conflict, His plea for peace echoes through time, a reminder of the enduring human struggle to grasp the essence of His message."Beginning from Jerusalem" speaks not only of a physical location but also of a spiritual journey—a journey toward understanding, forgiveness, and ultimately, peace. It serves as a beacon of light amidst the darkness, reminding us that even in the most turbulent times, there exists the potential for renewal and restoration.
Beginning from Jerusalem speaks also to us urging us to look within ourselves and within our communities for the seeds of transformation. Just as Christ's ministry began in Jerusalem, our own journey toward peace and reconciliation must commence within the depths of our hearts and extend outward to encompass our interactions with others.
It calls us to confront the barriers that divide us, whether they be ideological, cultural, or personal, and to work tirelessly to bridge the gaps that separate humanity. Each of us holds the power to be agents of change, to sow the seeds of peace in our words, actions, and relationships, thereby echoing the timeless message of love and unity that emanates from the Risen Christ.
I believe it starts within the relationships of the family and extends outwards to friends and communities. The home, where love is nurtured and understanding is cultivated, serves as the cornerstone of this journey toward reconciliation. By fostering environments of empathy, respect, and open communication within our families, we lay the groundwork for building bridges of understanding and compassion in our wider social circles.
From there, our sphere of influence expands, as we seek to extend the same spirit of unity and cooperation to our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. In this way, the ripple effect of love and reconciliation can spread far beyond the confines of our immediate circles, reaching even the darkest corners of our world with the transformative power of hope.
Beginning from Jerusalem also speaks to me of the parish church community, it is the New Jerusalem, and it should also start there. Just as the early Christians gathered in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit and spread the message of Christ's love to the world, so too should our parish communities serve as centers of spiritual renewal and outreach. Within the walls of our churches, we find a sacred space where individuals from all walks of life come together in worship, fellowship, and service.
It is here, within the embrace of our faith communities, that we are called to embody the principles of peace and reconciliation taught by Christ himself. Through acts of kindness, compassion, and solidarity with those in need, we can manifest the spirit of the New Jerusalem in our midst, radiating its light and warmth to the world beyond our doors. In doing so, we fulfill our sacred duty as disciples of Christ, bearing witness to the transformative power of His love and grace in our lives and in the world around us.
The call to action embedded in the phrase "beginning from Jerusalem" resounds not only through the pages of scripture but also within the depths of our souls. It challenges us to embark on a journey of inner reflection and outward compassion, starting from the intimate bonds of family and extending to the broader horizons of community and faith.
As we navigate the complexities of our world, may we be guided by the timeless wisdom of Christ's teachings, and may the spirit of the New Jerusalem dwell within us, inspiring us to be beacons of hope, agents of reconciliation, and vessels of love in a world yearning for peace.