HOLY HOUR FOR PEACE

Read Bishop Mark’s homily for the event at Blessed Sacrament

Bishop Mark O’Connell offered a Holy Hour for Peace at Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany on Feb. 19. (Kathy Barrans photo)

“Praying for peace - true peace - in every sphere of life,” Bishop Mark O’Connell offered a Holy Hour for Peace at Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany on Feb. 19.

Last month, amid soaring domestic and global tensions, the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called for a Holy Hour for Peace as “a moment of renewal for our hearts and for our nation.” In a Jan. 28 statement, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the USCCB, said that “the current climate of fear and polarization, which thrives when human dignity is disregarded, does not meet the standard set by Christ in the Gospel.”

The following is Bishop Mark’s homily:

Peace be with you.

This evening we gather in the quiet presence of the Blessed Sacrament to respond to a call from Archbishop Paul Coakley, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Earlier this year, he invited every bishop - and through us, every diocese - to hold a Holy Hour for Peace. He did so amid a painful season in our nation: events and divisions that are unacceptable from a moral and Gospel perspective, a climate of fear, polarization, and disregard for human dignity that falls far short of what Christ expects of us.

In union with the whole Church in the United States, we come here tonight to pray for peace - true peace - in every sphere of life:

- in our troubled world,

- in our divided country,

- in our state and Diocese,

- in our families,

- and most intimately, in our own hearts.

Let us first lift up in prayer all those who labor for peace in concrete ways. We entrust to the Lord:

- those in public service who strive to uphold justice and serve the common good,

- members of our armed forces, police officers, and firefighters who risk their lives to protect others,

- legislators and leaders who make peace a genuine priority,

- those who serve the poor, welcome immigrants, and defend the vulnerable,

- teachers who form young hearts by word and example,

- parents who patiently teach their children right from wrong and model forgiveness,

- writers and journalists who courageously expose injustice,

- activists and peacemakers who witness to non-violence and reconciliation,

- and those in health care who persist to uphold moral and civic values, embracing what is right and holy while tirelessly working for the common good.

Lord, bless the strengthen all who work for peace. Give them courage, wisdom, and perseverance.

Yes, if we truly desire peace in the world, we must begin with ourselves. Peace is not only something we ask for “our there;” it must first take root within. So let us each examine our own heart in the Lord’s presence:

- Am I a peaceful person?

- Would my family, friends, and colleagues say that I seek peace in my words and actions?

- Do I control my emotions when provoked, or do I allow anger, resentment, or impatience rule me?

- Do I advocate for those in need, or do I turn away?

- Do I forgive as Christ forgives, or do I hold onto grudges?

- Do peace and harmony flow out of me and shape those around me?

In silence now, before Jesus and the Eucharist, let us ask Him to reveal where we need His healing and grace to become instruments of His peace.

Jesus Himself is our perfect model of peace.

- He protected the woman caught in adultery from the stones of judgment, offering mercy instead of condemnation.

- He preached, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

- He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, not as a conqueror, but as the Prince of Peace.

- Ultimately, He ascended the Cross - allowing violence to spread upon Himself - so that we might have reconciliation with God and one another.

In the face of violence, hate, greed, and division we see in the news and in our communities, we turn to Him who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” We ask for relief from every form of hatred and injustices, and we beg Him to soften hardened hearts, including our own.

As we adore Him here, let us make a quiet but firm vow before the Lord:

I will begin with myself.

I will ask daily for the grace to be a peaceful person.

I will strive to shed that peace wherever I go - in my home, my workplace, my parish, and my interactions with those who differ from me.

I will choose mercy over judgment, forgiveness over resentment, and love over indifference.

Let us remain in silent adoration now, offering these intentions to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Thank you for joining in this prayer. I am pleased that you have come tonight and I know that many are joining us online. May the peace of Christ reign in us and through us. Amen.