Shalom - Peace begins with me.

On this Second Sunday of Advent, Fr. Vincent Low reflects on the lighting of the Peace Candle—more meaningfully understood as the candle of Shalom. Unlike the English word “peace,” Shalom signifies wholeness, blessing, harmony, and the fullness of God’s goodness. This theme echoes the message of John the Baptist in the day’s Gospel: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight His path. Repent. Advent is a four-week journey of preparing our hearts to welcome the Prince of Peace, yet many of us struggle with inner turbulence—anger, agitation, sadness, or a lack of meaning. Peace begins within, not outside. If our hearts are filled with unrest, we cannot receive the peace Christ longs to give. The Holy Spirit cannot dwell where rage and resentment dominate. Fr Vincent invites us to search our hearts, seek healing, repent, and create space for Shalom. Only then will Christmas be more than a day—it will be a true encounter with Christ’s peace.- Sunday Homily by Fr. Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (7 December 2025)