“Blessed be the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” – Matt. 5:9
CROWN POINT – Hoping to encourage the resolution of conflict around the world in the new year, parishioners at St. Matthias gathered at a Prayer Service for Peace on Jan. 3, singing hymns, reciting the Litany to the Saints and reflecting silently during a period of Eucharistic Adoration.
“Some members of our Education Committee wanted to organize this prayer service to reflect on the Beatitudes and how we can work toward peace as we start a new year,” said Jackie Gentry, pastoral associate.
Theresa Velazquez, who facilitated one of three age groups offered, said the idea for a prayer service reflecting on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that introduced the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12) came from a parish book club that read “You Did It To Me: A Practical Guide to Mercy in Action” by Father Michael Gaitley.
“We read about the people, both Christians and others around the world who are persecuted for their religion or their culture, and we wanted to address that,” said Velazquez. “When you read about the persecution in other countries, you realize that we, in the United States, take our freedom to worship – to attend church or temple or a mosque – for granted.
“People around the world sacrifice their lives for Christ, and we take it for granted,” she emphasized.
Paula Burrell, who worked on the format for the prayer service, said Father Gaitley’s book “showed us a different perspective on how to live out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy” that are based on the Beatitudes. For instance, when Father Gaitley spoke about the work of mercy that involves visiting those in prison, he recognized that many of us can’t (physically) go into a prison, but we can visit the disabled, who may be ‘imprisoned’ in their own homes, or those homebound by illness or age.”
In his reflection on the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12), Brad Hendrickson, a diaconal candidate and St. Matthias parishioner, called Christ’s words “a profound sermon delivered on a hillside, a sermon that is full of timeless wisdom. The Beatitudes capture a blessed lifestyle that reflects the divine qualities God desires for each of his children.
“‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled,’ Hendrickson read. “In a world where injustice prevails, Jesus encourages us to cultivate a deep yearning for righteousness, knowing that God’s justice will ultimately prevail,” he stated.
“‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy,” Hendrickson continued from Christ’s sermon, adding, “In a world marred by conflict and division, Jesus calls us to be agents of mercy, extending forgiveness and compassion to others as God has done for us.”
Addressing the Beatitude that focuses directly on the prayer service’s purpose, Hendrickson read, “‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,’” continuing, “As we gather in this prayer service for peace, let us reflect on the call to be peacemakers, actively contributing to the reconciliation and harmony that God desires for His creation.
“In a world troubled by war, turmoil, division and strife, may we, inspired by the Beatitudes, become instruments of God’s peace,” Hendrickson implored. “Let us pray for the grace to live out these teachings daily, becoming beacons of light and agents of God’s transformative love in our communities and beyond. Let us commit to praying today and every day for all of God’s children impacted by these troubling situations.”
Velazquez said she hoped that meeting with middle and high school students will “instill a little more interest in the student aspect of conflict and its peaceful resolution and how to act … leading to more understanding of the big picture. My plan was to talk about peace as not just the absence of war, but in respect for others and peaceful conflict resolution, making sure they live out a Christian life.”
Burrell said the “only thing that can change the persecution of people is intervention from Jesus (prompted by enough prayer support from people on earth) that there is an issue down here that needs his attention. “I hope people are moved by this prayer service to pray more regularly for our brothers and sisters, people being persecuted.
“We have a wonderful, vibrant Church, and the love of Christ,” she added. “Take the word of God with you when you go.”
Diana Whisenand, who attended with her son and fellow parishioner Matthew Whisenand, said their attendance represents “the hope that we can make a difference in (bringing peace) whatever way we can.”
Choosing to participate after reading about the prayer service in the parish bulletin, Sharon Morales noted, “Sometimes you feel so helpless, that there is so little you can control, but you can always pray. I hope people see the value in prayer and keep doing it.”
Caption: "Peace is Flowing Like a River" and "Christ Be Our Light" were hymns sung by attendees at the Prayer Service for Peace held at St. Matthias in Crown Point on Jan. 3. Education Committee members organized the event that drew about 20 people for hymns, prayers, scripture readings, a reflection by diaconal candidate Brad Hendrickson and Eucharistic Adoration. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)