VITAL ANTIDOTE - A Prayer for Courage and Peace
And an inspiring short video of a Christian Family march in Serbia
A few days after the crucifixion and death of Jesus, his disciples were understandably afraid and had locked themselves in an upper level room. They knew that their leader, who was assuredly of God, had been killed (or was there now more to the story, like the rumors they had heard of him rising from the dead?), and the smart move was to stay low. But then:
"Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord."
The worldly way of thinking requires things to be calm in order to have peace. Christ's peace is supernatural peace, "peace that passes understanding." It is the peace of saints and martyrs. Before his death, he had told them, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid....in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
With his peace and courage, he gives them orders: "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
A prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, as you stood amongst the hiding and doubting disciples and gladdened their hearts with your resurrection power, so make your presence known in our spirits and grant us your peace and joy. Show us the work of the Father you have for us to do, and let us hear your words: "Be courageous," giving us with your command the promise of your own divine courage and strength, so that we, your church, may be more than conquerors in you.
Amen.
(Check out this march of 100,000 Serbians for the preservation of Christianity, real families, identity, and culture. Beautiful. This was a march in opposition to a Pride march that had been scheduled the next month - which is now cancelled. When faithful Christians stand up in mass and in fidelity to Christ as king, evil is overcome.)
See more of the video here:
Amen in agreement with your prayer!