Second Sunday of Advent Reflection: 

Get on the Peace Train

Written by Anne-Louise DePalo

“From his roots a bud shall blossom”
Isaiah 11:1

“Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever”
Psalm 72

“…By endurance, and by encouragement of the scriptures, we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement to grant you to think in harmony with one another.”
Romans 15:5

“Produce good fruit”
Matthew 3:8

---

Today begins the second week of Advent. We light the candle, known as the Bethlehem candle or Peace candle. It represents the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem as we prepare for Christ’s birth and Second Coming. It serves as a reminder as we make our own journey to Christ in the spiritual life.  Only Jesus can bring peace to each soul and the world as He is “The Prince of Peace.”

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church peace is defined as the “tranquility of order” as quoted by Saint Augustine, Catechism 2034. This is the “work” of justice and the effect of charity. “Christ reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of unity in the human race and of its union with God” Catechism 2304.

The readings today show us the way to peace and harmony and the “good fruit” it produces when there is order and love.  John the Baptist understood the path to peace. Advent allows us to make our way to peace through prayer, penance, and charity.

“Advent is not Christmas- that penitential time leads to joy only if we heed it’s message – John the Baptist, who leaped for joy in his mother’s womb- is joy’s perfect messenger because he shows us, it’s necessary elements: repentance, humility, and sacrifice” Father Paul Scalia.

Peace is not the avoidance of conflict. But it is a decision to act in charity and harmony. Not demanding or fighting for peace; but seeking, witnessing, and proclaiming truth. John the Baptist models this for us. Truth produces good fruit.

We are to be instruments of peace as the hymn of St Francis of Assisi proclaims. During Advent, we cultivate, till, fertilize, and sow the soil of our soul so buds can form and flower. (Isaiah 11:1)

We can be peacemakers when we encounter conflict whether in our families, homes, workplace, communities, or the world at large.

One of my favorite songs is Peace Train by Cat Stevens. His lyrics capture the search and gift of peace beautifully:

Oh, I’ve been happy lately

Thinkin’ about the good things to come

And I believe it could be

Something good has begun

Oh, I’ve been smilin’ lately

Dreaming about the world as one 

 And I believe it could be

 Someday it’s going to come

 ‘Cause out of the edge of darkness.

There rides a peace train.

Oh, peace train, 

Come take me home again.

Yes, peace train holy roller.

Everyone jump on the peace train.

Get your bags together.

Go bring your good friend too.

Because it’s getting nearer.

It soon will be with you

Cat Stevens may or may not have realized the inspiration for these lyrics as he sings of the peace that everyone longs for, or that it can only be found in and through Jesus, Emanuel.  Thankfully we know! As St. Paul tells us, “The mind of the Spirit is life and peace” Roman’s 8:6  

 My dear readers, what will you do this week as the peace candle burns in our Churches, to bring peace to your world?  Each choice we make for peace creates harmony and produces the good fruit of discipleship and builds the kingdom of God. Follow the Prince of Peace. All aboard!