1 Maccabees 2:15-29 / Luke 19:41-44
Whenever it comes to conflict and hostility, the Church wold urge for peace through dialogue, and dialogue at the table of reconciliation.
But unfortunately, the call for peace through dialogue and reconciliation has often gone unheeded, resulting in war and violence and bloodshed and loss of innocent lives.
And when we reflect upon the numerous wars and devastation and loss of lives that had happened and that is still happening, we will come upon this eerie fact:
It is not that humanity wants wars and devastation. It is just that we don't want peace.
That might sound strange but the fact is that peace can only come about through forgiveness and reconciliation.
That was the message of Jesus in the gospel - that peace for His people can only happen when they repent and ask for forgiveness and be reconciled with God and with each other.
That is the message for us too. If our hearts are not at peace because of resentment and anger, or even hatred and revenge, then it is time to turn to God and ask for forgiveness and healing.
Sin and evil can never bring us peace of heart. So let us open our eyes and recognise the signs pointing our hearts towards peace and ask for forgiveness and healing so the peace of God will reign in our hearts.