By Michael Wright of Rome, Italy
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
Several weeks before I was to fly to the United States for work, I received the devastating news that a dear friend’s husband, also a mentor to me, had tragically passed away. In my grief and helplessness, I longed to bring some sense of peace to my friend, yet I struggled to find a way.
During my flight across the Atlantic, an idea sparked. I reached out to close friends from my college days, friends with whom I had shared profound moments of music and friendship as part of Duquesne University’s Chamber Singers. I wondered if music, which had bonded us so deeply, could also bring solace to my grieving friend.
When we arrived at her home, we gathered and sang a cappella René Clausen’s beautiful choral arrangement of “Set Me as a Seal,” based on Song of Solomon 8:11. As our voices intertwined with the scripture’s ancient love poetry, a profound peace settled upon us. Love, as the passage suggests, felt stronger than death. The feeling and sentiment expressed in that spiritual moment gave peace to my grieving friend. This verse, though rooted in ancient love poetry, speaks to the enduring power of love—a love that can dwell deeply within us, a love that moves us to act. It reminds me of Community of Christ’s peace seal with its imagery from Isaiah 11:6 of the lion and lamb led by a child in peace, which I feel called to “set upon my heart” and “upon my arm,” letting it guide both my spirit and my actions. By embodying this peace, we express our Christian discipleship, creating pathways of reconciliation, healing, and hope.
As we carry the peace seal within us, may we let it guide our hearts and hands toward actions of love, manifesting God's peace and reminding us that love is indeed stronger than death.
Prayer Phrase
“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Spiritual Practice
Sea of Light
Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.