Pax et Bonum = peace and goodness. I know I have written before about how I started signing emails with this after visiting Assisi and seeing this Franciscan motto of pax et bonum. God is the supreme good, and all peace comes from Him. Then this week, I get into a conversation with my brother-in-law, about the Hebrew word usually translated as peace: shalom.

So here is his summary: “When you break down
the ancient Hebrew spelling of shalom, one possible interpretation would be the following definition: “that which destroys the authority attached to chaos.”

• Shin (sheen) (teeth) – means to destroy
• Lamed (shepherds staff) – authority
• Vav (peg) – attach/join
• Mem (water) – chaos, storms, floods.
• Wow, that is cool! We all need chaos destroyed and banished from our lives.

  Then there is this quote from St. Augustine, “Peace is the tranquility order brings.” Banish chaos, put more order in your life. So many efforts of the modern world are to banish order, tradition, and peace. However, Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” and He gives us peace. Let Jesus give your life order and peace. Because the order and peace He gives is His own.

  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

  Pax et Bonum and Shalom,

  Father Mosimann