The Shalom Catholic Community is based on this experience with the Risen Lord who passed through the cross. He, for the greater glory of the Father, pours out His Spirit upon us and sends us as His disciples and ministers of His Peace.
The experience with the Risen One who passed through the Cross is the foundation of our vocation. When the Risen Christ appeared to the disciples at the Last Supper, His first word was “Shalom”. He, the Victorious over sin and death, had permanently destroyed the gap between the sinful man and the Father of Mercy, sealing Peace.
When communicating the fullness of the messianic goods, the Peace, Jesus presents the source of Peace and gives access to it: His glorious wounds, especially his pierced heart. It is interesting to note that the Risen Christ made a point of keeping the blemishes of His cross in His Body and glorify them. He seems to tell us about his glorious wounds of love: “This is the way. This is the source”. The cross and resurrection, thus become a single mystery. In Christ there is no Resurrection without the Cross. In Christ there is no cross that does not lead to Resurrection.
On that day, which is the beginning of every new day, Jesus asked His disciples to contemplate and receive the Peace and Joy from His pierced and risen heart. There can be no new day in the life of man which does not spring from that day. There can be no true peace and joy which do not sprout out of that heart which for love let itself be pierced on the cross, making room for and welcoming, once risen, the hand of all who, by faith, accept receiving the “divine shock of His Resurrection”: His Spirit; the Spirit of peace and joy, the Spirit who changes our lives. On that day, which is the day the Lord made us, Jesus gave His disciples access to the way of Peace.
Writings of Shalom Catholic Community, Letter to the Community 47 – 50