Peace be to This House!

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!'” In our gospel lesson, Jesus gives this instruction. But what is peace?

We hear a lot about peace in the media and from various cultural sources. There was the “peace and love” ideal of the last century, which meant doing whatever I want, as long as I don't infringe on your right to do whatever you want. So-called “peace and love” caused many illegitimate children, and infected many with disease and drug addictions. In the name of peace, people marched in the streets and burned things. In the name of peace, how many were killed in Asia? Is this peace?

 

In more recent times, we have heard the slogan “peace in the middle east” chanted in our streets. In the name of peacekeeping, wars are being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the name of peacekeeping, many American soldiers died in Somalia. In the name of peacekeeping, untold thousands died in Kosovo. Thanks be to God, fighting has stopped in places like Kosovo and Northern Ireland, but it continues in other lands. Is this peace?

It seems like no matter how hard we work to keep the peace, there is always something that works to fracture that facade and shatter the silence. Wars and rumors of wars are a daily part of our lives, coming from every corner of the globe. Terrorism threatens our own soil and citizens. Hatred is ever finding new and more hideous ways to manifest itself. Racism, sexism, homophobia, heterophobia, xenophobia, religious extremism – fear of all kinds, in all its forms and faces, works to gain a foothold in each of us. Fear would have us believe that Big Brother is always spying. Fear would have us believe that our neighbors are out to steal our stuff. Fear would have us believe that we are being ripped off on every business transaction. Fear would have us believe that the immigrants are taking over and ruining our country. Fear, Fear, Fear.

And what about greed and envy? The peace is threatened when I look at my neighbor's car with longing. When you look at your co-worker's position, and wish for his salary. When you withhold from those in need to maintain your own comfort. When you cannot be bothered to get involved because it offers no gain to you. What is it that you want, and how are you going to get it for yourself?

And of course, peace is threatened by lust for power. One man wants to rule a nation, so he invades it. One man wants to maintain his empire, so he kills his whole family to stay on the throne. One man feels so threatened that he kills all the male children in his realm. How does that work out for him?

These things all harm our quest for peace. And there is nothing that you or I can do about these things. These things come from the filthy depths of our fallen human condition. Against these, Jesus says, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Repent.

The messengers of Christ proclaim “Peace be to this house! The Kingdom of God has come near to you.” And truly it has. In the person of Jesus Christ, the fullness of God took on the flesh and blood of a man, not by the conversion of God into man, but by the assumption of man into God. In the flesh of Jesus Christ, God became man and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory face to face. The Kingdom of God is here, among us, because Jesus is here! And He brings to you not a sword, but peace!

By His death, Jesus has destroyed death. By His rising again, He has restored to us everlasting life. With His stripes we are healed. In His life we find life. His Holy Spirit comes to you and to me and speaks “Peace be with you!” Through the blood of the Lamb who was slain, peace once more with God is made! God comes near to you, not in judgment, but in blessing. He comes to take away your sin, to cleanse you from all unrighteousness, to make you pure within. Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal in the knowledge that you need no longer fear, you need no longer worry about your wealth or power or prestige or your neighbor – all that is needful is provided.

So what more is there for us to say but “Amen!” Jesus' Word gives peace, not as a wish but as a real enacting and making peace within our hearts. And, as if that were not enough, Jesus puts His peace bodily onto your tongues. In His holy and precious Body and Blood, you eat and drink the peace of God in the blood of the Lamb.

Lord Jesus Christ, “all our debt Thou hast paid; Peace with God once more is made: O Lord, have mercy!” Receive the peace of God on your hearts and minds, and go in peace with God and Man.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.