| "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (NRSV). Escape. According to many novels and films about incarcerated prisoners, escape is what occupies the mind the most for those whose freedom has been taken away.
However, when Paul the Apostle wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was in jail, he did not appear to be obsessed with escape. How is it possible for someone in prison to talk about joy, gratitude and peace?
There are many kinds of prison: emotional, financial, social and political, among others. They have to do with realities imposed on us by others or by the decisions we make. These realities oppress us. They are beyond our control. We cannot change them.
Is it possible to find peace and joy even in the midst of situations that cannot be resolved? Paul urges us not to focus on escape, to not be obsessed with that which we cannot change. Focussing on the person of Jesus and unloading our anxiety on him produces the peace that surpasses all understanding. Placing Jesus in the centre is the best way to celebrate Peace Sunday.  | In Christ, 
César García, MWC general secretary |
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