Passing on Shalom

This photo was taken by Ron in Israel during an evening stroll in Tel Aviv on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea.

This summer, my husband and I participated with a group of friends in a virtual pilgrimage during which we explored the lives of St. Francis and St. Claire of Assisi. Sponsored by InterVarsity Ministries, the Via Divina [Latin for divine walking] – Franciscan Way was very meaningful.  A bonus was a weekly debriefing and rich discussion with friends located in the Northeast and Midwest who participated in the same virtual pilgrimage. 

     The most meaningful walk for me dealt with Francis’ passion for peace. The larger sense of peace the 13th Century friar desired was encapsulated in the Hebrew word, Shalom.  

Checking a variety of resources, I learned the meaning of Shalom is a peace that includes:

• internal sense of harmony,

• wellness,

• wholeness,

• well-being,

• sense of satisfaction,

• completeness,

• safety,

• prosperity,

• welfare,

• tranquility.

During our walk, we were instructed to rest and pray three prayers of Shalom:

• one for ourselves,

• one for a person we love, and

• one for someone with whom our relationship is not peaceful.

To accomplish this evocative assignment, Ron and I sat on a stone wall near Lake Coeur d’Alene. It seems as if I have been basking in the “afterglow” of Shalom since. I encourage you to consider finding a quiet place where you can try this same prayer exercise.

Blessings of Shalom,

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