The Peace of Christ
In the Gospel according to John, Jesus tells His disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (Jn14:27) Sometimes, it doesn’t take much for us to feel troubled: an act that we see, a conversation that we had, or even a passing thought can become the cause of our distress.
What kind of peace does Jesus give us? For the most part, it is not the kind of peace that we usually think of. When most people wish for peace, they think of the absence of war, fighting or strife; other people associate peace to security, as in financial security or job security, or the security of having dependable family and friends.
The kind of peace that Christ gives us is of divine origin; it results from the order implanted by God in the heart of man. God’s order is not always the same as man’s order, but it is always for Christ’s followers to point it out. We all have a part in bringing about this divine order on earth. Take for example a teacher who is concerned about preserving Christian principles in a system of education that forces it out; or a doctor who sees medical procedures which are performed against the teachings of the Church; or a lawyer who sees laws being manipulated for injustice; or a religious who finds that her community is departing from its essential calling; are they just to look the other way?
In an age when questions on marriage, health care, capital punishment and gun control make national headlines, it is important that we set our standards to the mind of Christ. We must speak out the truth by living it ourselves.
At the request of Archbishop Wilton Gregory, the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia has granted the Holy Name of Jesus Chinese Catholic Mission the amount of $2,000 to be used for the Building Fund. Thank you Archbishop Gregory!
Our Fourth of July BBQ will be held this year at Pickneyville Park (Soccer Complex), 4707 S. Old Peachtree Road, Norcross 30071. Come and join us from 10am to 1pm for three hours of fun, fellowship and great food. The church will provide hot dogs and hamburgers; however, you may bring a dish to share. Donations for this event are welcome.
On Sunday, July 7th, the Holy Name of Jesus Chinese Mission will celebrate the feast day of the Holy Martyrs of China. On October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II officially canonized 120 Chinese Martyrs from the 17th century to 1930. Let us imitate the Chinese Martyrs for their unyielding faith and love for God. At the same time, we also pray as one with the faithful in China.
Reserve the date! Vacation Bible School is on Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 10am to 3pm. This is a great opportunity for our children to continue to learn about their faith, even when its summer break. Bring your kids and grandkids for bible stories, songs, games and crafts! Registration forms are now available.