Today, Jesus presents himself as the Shepherd of the lost sheep. He beholds the people, so to speak, with a “pastoral” gaze. Jesus embodies “God the Shepherd”.

Among the “lost sheep” that Jesus rescued there was Mary Magdalene. Jesus cast out seven demons from her, that is, He saved her from total enslavement to the Evil One. In what does this profound healing which God works through Jesus consist? It consists in true, complete peace, brought about by the inner reconciliation of the person, as well as in every other relationship: with God, with other people and with the world. Indeed, the Evil One always seeks to spoil God’s work, sowing division in the human heart, between body and soul, between the individual and God, in interpersonal, social and international relations, as well as between human beings and creation. The Evil One sows discord; God creates peace.

—Christ is our peace, he who made us both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh (cf. Eph 2:14). Mary, Mother of Christ our peace, pray for us!