[Pearls Ep. 120 – “My peace I give to you.”]
In this Sunday’s gospel (included in the postscript) Jesus tells us He will give us His peace – which is not anything that the world can give.
Peace seems to be in short supply these days. In the world. In or nation. In our families. And probably, in our hearts.
It’s not for nothing that Jesus promises His peace soon after exhorting us to love as He loves.
It’s worth reflecting on what “peace” means to you. What were the situations and circumstances when you most felt at peace?
Peace can be one of those things, like humor, that is difficult to define but we know it when we experience it.
As a starting point for our reflections there is this – peace is closely allied with order. They rise and fall together.
In our follow up messages, we’ll be looking closer at what peace truly is, and practical ways to grow in the peace that only Christ can give.
Blessings on your journey with Christ –
Steve and Karen Smith
Interior Life
Postscript: “My peace I give to you.” Jn 14:23-29
Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. 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. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”