Dear brothers, sisters, and friends in the Assumption family:
The Artemis 2 crew is set to return to Earth this evening after 10 days of discovery. It has made history by surpassing the record for the farthest distance human beings have traveled from Earth. Besides a marvelous success in its mission, the launch shows the unity of the human race through the diversity of the crew members. It also shows the greatness of the human mind.
The Artemis 2 returns to Earth amidst the madness of human beings. Wars, conflicts and violence continue. A two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is good news even though the truce is still very fragile. On the other hand, the war between Israel and Lebanon doesn’t stop.
Reflecting on peace at Christmas, Fr. d’Alzon wrote: “Peace was proclaimed around the stable where Jesus was born: peace, reconciliation, sin’s destruction, deliverance from slavery to Satan […]. If you desire this peace proclaimed by the angels, then show your good will; go over to Bethlehem. What does this mean? Leave yourselves and go over to Jesus. Take a look at what is holding you back. After the shepherds had adored the divine child, there is no indication that they changed their normal routine, that they left their flocks there in order to take up something new. On the contrary, they carried on as usual… except that a great transformation had taken place within their hearts; they had seen the Infant God. Who can doubt that the invitation they had received, that the act of adoration to which they were granted admission so early on, was not followed up with enormous graces? Who can doubt that they pondered it preciously in their hearts and that it became for them a source of salvation? With the angels they had glorified God on the occasion of his Son’s birth and they carried with them a heavenly peace.” (ES 837)
We can apply the same understanding to Easter. If we desire peace, show our good will. If we desire peace, leave ourselves and our ego and humbly go over to the Lord. If we desire peace, let the risen Lord transform our hearts. Only when we desire peace can we sing Alleluia joyfully and sincerely. Only when we desire peace can we become a people of Easter.
In his Urbi et Orbi’s message on Easter Sunday, Pope Leo XIV said, “The peace that Jesus gives us is not merely the silence of weapons, but the peace that touches and transforms the heart of each one of us! Let us allow ourselves to be transformed by the peace of Christ! Let us make heard the cry for peace that springs from our hearts! For this reason, I invite everyone to join me in a prayer vigil for peace that we will celebrate here in Saint Peter’s Basilica next Saturday, April 11.”
To answer the call of the Holy Father, let us pray for peace in a special way tomorrow, whether in community or in the quiet of our hearts. Let us bring the heavenly peace to our Earth. Let us sing Alleluia and keep going. “What do I mean by keeping going? Keep on making progress. This progress, however, must be in virtue; for there are some, the Apostle warns, whose only progress is in vice. If you make progress, you will be continuing your journey, but be sure that your progress is in virtue, true faith and right living. Sing then, but keep going.” (Saint Augustine, Sermon 256)
Fraternally,
Fr. Chi Ai Nguyen, A.A.
Provincial of North America
