When Our Focus is on God, We Speak the Language of Peace
The third day of triduum was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Paul Kee together with Rev. Fr. Robin, Rev. Fr. Dom and Rev. Fr. Louis. The focus was on seed of unity.
In his homily, he told the story of Trappist monks’ experience with Muslim terrorists at a monastery in Algeria during the civil war in the 1990s. The story relates one moment in time on Christmas Eve, when the hearts and minds of a Christian monk and a terrorist unite in peace as they shook hands. They were able to cross the religious divide and be at peace. Fr. Paul reminded the people that when our focus is on God, even people of different faith speak the same language.
He explained that what is more important is not what is said but rather how it is said. Our tone of voice may lead to peace or conflict. So it is best we speak with a gentle tone.
He said that our mission should be to use words that build relationships, bring the light of God to stir the hearts of the people. Sts. Chastan and Imbert united the people in many parts of Asia through the gospel. He cited the words of St. Chastan from a letter to his parent in 1839, a year before he was martyred that “despite the threat of death, the number Christians multiplied” . Sts Chastan and Imbert were persecuted for refusing to renounce their faith but they had planted the seeds of unity and joy through their sacrifice.
