St. Gregory of Nyssa in a treatise on Christian Perfection wrote about two topics that have been much in my mind recently, peace and light. He remarks that if we are to think of Christ as being our peace, our lives must express Christ by our own peace. Similarly, he states that if Christ is our true light, our lives must also shine with the rays of the true light. Our call is not to just speak of being at peace and being of God’s disciple, but to demonstrate it. Profession is just the first step. The words of St. Francis comes mind: “Go forth and speak the gospel and, if necessary, use words.”
The spoken word can convince or convict, inspire or frighten, illuminate or disseminate the truths that define a divine relationship between God and his people. The essence of ourselves that is revealed to our brothers and sisters through our displayed countenance is what will change hearts and bring others to conversion. We should not just speak of peace but to be at peace with ourselves, each other and God. That peace will be seen by the world as a reflection of the true light that falls on us from the face of God looking down upon us as he grants us peace.
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