Witness

    Peace is a major theme in the Third Gospel. During the time of Jesus in Galilee, the fields are the place where violence and trouble occur. It is dangerous especially if one walks at night by the field. Imagine this, if you go to the far-flung provinces in a rural area, do you think it is safe to walk at night? Compared to walking in a busy street in an urban area like Jerusalem. 
    The gift of peace that the divine being offered to mankind is evident in the beginning and at the end of the Third Gospel. The shepherds' interaction with the angels resulted in the heavenly hosts giving glory to God, "and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests."1 (Luke 2:14) Jesus after resurrection his first words to his appearance with the disciples "Peace be with you."2 (24:36) Peace is what mankind needs as evident in this few examples: Simeon's response during his encounter with the newly born Jesus, "... you may now dismiss your servant in peace"1 (2:29) when Jesus forgave the sinful woman, "... Go in peace"3 (7:50), and there are other motifs of peace as well. 
    This gift of peace that we have received from God is meant to be shared with others. We can be vocal about it or be seen in our actions. "Do the people around you, at your workplace, at home or in school recognize that you've been with Jesus?"4 Whenever I spend time with the people I met in our Worship service or even with the people I met at school, it is natural to act like a Christian. But when Monday comes and I go to work that's where the real test comes.



Footnotes:
1 Biblegateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2&version=NIV (Accessed April 24, 2023)
2 Biblegateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24&version=NIV (Accessed April 24, 2023)
3 Biblegateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+7&version=NIV (Accessed April 24, 2023)
4 Dalusong, Jomel. Designed for Relationships: Week 5. Sermon at ENCM/S, North York, ON, April 23, 2023'

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