By Michael Wright of Rome, Italy

We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?

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

“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

Spiritual Practice

Light

Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

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.