Peace like a river flowing …
Taken together, the readings from Isaiah 66 and Luke 10 used on Trinity 5 present us with a picture of a river of peace flowing out from the Lord, mirrored in the Gospel as the flowing of the disciples as they are sent out in pairs on their first mission. From the Lord of Peace, others, like ripples in a pool, flow out carrying his simple message: “Peace to this house!”
Notice in the picture that each disciple is carrying a cross. Although strictly an anachronism, this is a reflection of the Galatians 6 passage, where Paul repeats his boast in the cross, a thought central to Paul’s life and ministry: by becoming part of the mystery of the cross, each of us is a new creation in Jesus.
As we move into July, for many a time of refreshment and relaxation, let us share peace with those we meet on the way. [Our thoughts this month have been adapted from an original at this link]