Given the tragedy of violence near and far which besets us each day, more than ever, we need to invoke Christ Jesus as "Prince of Peace."  During this Advent and Christmas season, we recall how Jesus was born into a broken world and was Himself subject to violence—not only at His death, but also at the time of His birth, and indeed, throughout His life.  This month of December 2005, let us pray for peace in the lands where Jesus once walked, throughout the Middle East and in our own metro area, among our families, and in our hearts.

Father of Peace, you sent your Son into a world wounded by sin and torn by human violence.  May we hear and believe in the joyful message of the angels:  "Peace on earth to all of good will."  Loving Father, may the peace of Christ, your Son, reign in our hearts and shine through our words and deeds; may all people come to know our deepest identity and purpose, living in peace with each other as your sons and daughters.  We pray through Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  Amen.

 

This Infant of Prague statue appears at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit and reflects a long tradition of devotion to the Holy Child Jesus.  The original statue is speculated to have come from a Bohemian monastery and given as a wedding gift to a noble of the Czech kingdom.  Eventually, it was given to the Discalced Carmelites in Prague where it remains.  Those who have petitioned before the Infant Jesus have received many graces, blessings, favors, and miraculous healings.

 

The statue relates with this month's prayer theme:  Welcoming the Prince of Peace.  Note that the Christ Child holds the world in one hand with a cross emblazoned on top of it, a sign of the peace He alone can give us, a peace which flows from His self-sacrificing love which reconciles us with God the Father and one another.