Where do we find peace?
Posted April 19, 2021
Dear parents and families,
After another traumatic week, I alternate between glazed-over and heartbroken. Another mass shooting. Another week of gun violence in Philly. Another life lost to police brutality. Another, another, another. Where is this so-called peace that Jesus seems to have?
In the portion of Luke’s gospel we heard yesterday, the resurrected Christ says to his disciples “Peace be with you.” Note that “peace,” translates to “to reconcile,” “to be at peace,” and “to make peace” in Greek.
While it is true that Jesus offers the disciples peace prior to the death and resurrection, he never quite offers it in this manner. A common misconception is that he offers the same sentiment in John 14:27, though the two meanings are different. This time, Jesus literally says to his disciples: “Peace to you.” A gesture of love, reassurance, kindness, and compassion after potentially the greatest trauma they had ever faced: “Peace be with you.”
Perhaps by offering the disciples this notion of peace, though, Jesus was challenging them to reconcile, to be at peace, to make peace. Reconcile their anger with the ones who condemned him to death. To be at peace with their feelings. To make peace with others.
Reconciling our anger does not mean becoming complacent with the injustices we see everyday. Becoming at peace with our feelings does not equate to “turning them off.” Making peace with those who have opposing views does not signify compromising our morals. On the contrary, the peace that Jesus offers the disciples is one of a just, fair, freeing, loving God. That is the peace I offer you, too.
Here are some resources I have found to be most helpful in these turbulent, less-than-peaceful times:
- Responding to Gun Violence from the St. Martin’s blog
- The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing
- What Students Are Saying About Race and Racism in America from the New York Times
- DGT's Anti-Racist Resource Collection from Doing Good Together
- Raising Emotionally Empowered Kids from SMB (Strength: Mind & Body)
Always prayerful,
Anne Alexis
Anne Alexis Harra
Minister for Children, Youth, & Families
215 247 8716
Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. She and her beloved partner, Cole (he/him) currently live in Manayunk. Anne Alexis graduated from Washington College in May 2019 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy.
Anne Alexis has served on the Diocesan Council in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, as well as the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission, and the Diocesan Assessment Committee. Since moving to Philadelphia in January 2021, she has served on the DioPA Youth Leaders Team and the DioPA Dismantling Racism for Youth Leaders Team. She is passionate about children's spirituality and using education as a force for good in their spiritual lives.
Beginning with the waters of baptism, Anne Alexis has devoted her life to serving God in the Episcopal Church. Raised on Godly Play in Sunday school and moving into a tight-knit youth group, she is aware of the positive impact that the Church’s presence can have in the life of a young person. She is passionate about encouraging children and youth to explore their faith on a personal level while also committing to a community-centered effort to enact change for the greater good.
Anne Alexis is passionate about racial justice and healing, as well as advocating for the rights of children in the context of the Christian faith. She hopes for a church where all of God's beloved are welcomed, heard, and included. She seeks and envisions a church where every member feels the true love of God in Christ. Anne Alexis is deeply aware of the profound impact of Jesus' unyielding love for all, including the most tender and vulnerable in our society: children. Hopeful for a day when all marginalized peoples are treated with equity, she continues "to seek and serve Christ in all persons." The Baptismal Covenant and Sacrament of Eucharist guide her ministry.
Anne Alexis’ father owns and is president of a local funeral home in Wilmington. Some of her earliest childhood memories include observing him engage with bereaved families in a way that can only be described as ministerial. Her mother is a hospice nurse who guides her patients and families through a dignified palliative care stage. Anne Alexis’ parents have left a huge impression on her heart. A ministerial goal she has at St. Martin’s is exploring the often taboo topics of dying and death in the hopeful context of the gospels.
In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with her family (notably her godson, Will), and watching new shows with her beloved cats by her side. She and Cole enjoy trying eclectic restaurants in their neighborhood -- observing COVID restrictions, of course!
Tags: Children & Families
