The Way of Peace :: Part 02 :: Ripples of Peace | Ryan Howell :: January 15, 2023

What does it practically mean to follow the peacemaking path of Jesus? In The Way of Peace, learn about the concept of a rule of life and discover flexible and achievable ways to walk this peacemaking path. __Week 01:A Jesus-centered life is a peace-centered lifeThe Way of Peace Prayer:Jesus, I choose to follow your Way of Peace. Lead me to one person that I can love, give hope and bring your peace to today.What’s the Issue Anyway?Our daily CHOICES ripple out further than we can imagine, creating life and death in this world.What Wisdom does Jesus in Matthew‘s Gospel offer us?Following Jesus is a daily choice to live SACRIFICIALLY. (Matthew 16:24) Matthew 7:13-14Jesus is talking about choices that either PROMOTE or DESTROY the common good. Jesus believed life to the fullest was found in taking up his CAUSE. (Matthew 16:25)Way of Peace Commitment OneDaily choose to follow Jesus: walk the narrow path of loving MERCY, doing JUSTICE and living SACRIFICIALLY.Two Questions to help me live this in my everyday, normal lifeWho needs mercy? Where can I sow seeds of GRACE and FORGIVENESS today? What SACRIFICE can I make today to create a more JUST world?"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." –MLKHow does this make me a better person and the world a better place?The COMMON GOOD flourishes when we daily choose to love mercy, do justice and live sacrificially.What is God inviting you into today?Extend grace and forgiveness to someone I have been unmerciful towards.Make a sacrifice that will create a more just world.Memorize The Way of Peace prayer.Thought provoking questions for Reflection and Discussion:Think of a choice you made that came with a consequence (good or bad). Is there something you wish you would have known then that you know now that would have affected your decision?When Jesus uses the words life and death, these are metaphors that go beyond physical life and physical death. What words would you use to describe a way of life that is truly living?Have you ever been the recipient of mercy? Describe the circumstances and emotions you felt during that time.Are you a person who finds it difficult to forgive? Do you find it difficult to set boundaries with people? In either case, what could you do to grow in being more forgiving or setting boundaries in forgiveness?What does the common good mean to you? What do you think happens in a work environment when the common good is flourishing? How about in a home?