SEVENTH STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord Breathes Peace and Gives the Power to Forgive

We adore You, O Christ

and we praise You! 

Because by the Wood of the Cross and

the Light of the Resurrection, 

You have redeemed the world!

Reading:  Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, 'Peace be with you'... The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained'" (John 20: 19b, 20b-23).

Reflection:  Even though the doors of the Upper Room were bolted shut, the Risen Lord pierced through all fear and united the hearts of the disciples with the gift of peace.  Deep inner peace is the root and source of the peace and joy that the world cannot give. The Risen Lord calls us to seek peace always through a non-violent commitment to conflict resolution and thus transform the world, relationship by relationship.

Silence

Prayer:  God of perfect peace, violence and cruelty can have no part of You.  May those who are at peace with one another hold fast to the good will that unites them; may those who are enemies forget their hatred and be healed.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All:  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
No longer Thomas then denied,
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
You are my Lord and God, he cried, Alleluia!

NEXT:  EIGHTH STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord Strengthens the Faith of Thomas