TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
1 John 2 :3-11; Psalm 96; Luke 2:22-35
In the collection of Jewish teachings known as "Pirkei Avot," Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel states, "The world stands on three things: on truth, on justice and on peace." Pope Leo XIV reminds us further, "Everyone has a place in the mosaic of peace."
Often, when considering personal states of peace or how to achieve peace within one's place in the world, our thoughts turn to how we can create grand gestures of grace or magnanimity. However, much like a mosaic itself, peace can be as beautiful as works of small artfulness placed in larger context.
When we reach out with an empathetic heart and find connection, be it a common interest, a shared laugh, a worry let out in the light of day, a hand or a door held in the place of weariness, space to shine authentically, or fellowship through a collective purpose, our whole selves settle and calm. Peace is assembled piece by piece, none more or less beautiful than another, but all in harmony. The world stands on that harmony.
Deborah Unger, MD, FAAHPM
Associate Medical Director and Director of Medical Informatics
Institute for Human Caring, Providence
Pause
How can you assemble a small act of art, of connection, of understanding to add to the mosaic?
Pray
God of the Universe, Creator of Light and Dark: You have formed us together as one body to proclaim Your peace. Draw us beyond our own narrowness to recognize Christ within ourselves and one another. Help us to choose unity – humility over pride and patience over anger. Make in us Your dwelling place, O God, that we may be worthy builders of Your Kingdom and true instruments of Your grace. Amen.