...he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (From Luke 24:35-48)

Over the last several months, I’ve read with great interest the Letters to the Editor in our local newspaper.  Every week there has been something that attacks the “other side’s” beliefs or has been downright mean to those who vote or believe differently than the author of the prior week’s letter. In our current political climate, half of the country says Jesus would be a Republican and the other half says Jesus would be a Democrat.  100% of Jesus, however, said he was coming to bring mercy, love, and peace.  So, my friends, why do we feel the need to argue, belittle, bicker, and fight?  Which of the Letters to the Editor have spoken of love, unity, compassion, mercy, reconciliation, praying for one’s enemies, or peace?  (Let me answer that for you...ZERO!)  How many have hurled insults, twisted facts, only shown one side of a story, or sought to antagonize the “other side?”  (Let me answer that for you...ALL OF THEM!)  And, finally, how many of those letters have changed anyone’s opinion on politics or brought clarity to an issue or unity to our community?  (You guessed it...ZERO!)  So, if Jesus is to be a Republican for some and a Democrat for others, why are these “sides” choosing to not follow Him by sowing discord and anger instead of spreading love, peace, and mercy in their thoughts, words, and deeds as He did?  Let us spread the words Jesus speaks today, “peace be with you,” my sisters and brothers in Christ, and let us put aside all of the anger and division and let us make peace!  Amen!