Prayers for Peace

The first reading for this first Sunday of Advent contains probably the most famous passage from the prophet Isaiah:

They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again. (Is 2:4NAB)

Peace continues to be a significant matter in today's world, and it increasingly involves religion. Many commentators decry "Islamic terror," and churches, synagogues, and mosques have been targets of attacks. 
       In recognition of all this, Pope Benedict has set the theme for the upcoming World Day of Peace (January 1, 2011) as "Religious Freedom, the Path to Peace." Parishes and families are encouraged to see what they can do to prepare for the World Day of Peace by checking out the resources on the US bishops' web site. The link is http://bit.ly/e8VKH2.
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)