Meditate on God’s Word

1st Reading:            Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
2nd Reading:           Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
Gospel:                    John 14.23-29 – The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Peace Be with You

The life of the Christian disciple is one that should be filled with great peace. However, peace does not mean the absence of difficulties or trials. Rather, true peace is living in joy despite the turbulences we may experience. We’re reminded in the Gospel that we can only receive this peace from Jesus. He tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

How does the world give peace? The world tells us that if we have lots of money in the bank, the fancy car, the extravagant house and the perfect looks, then we will be at peace. It promotes peace as something that is achieved through exterior possessions or circumstances. However, what does the world offer us when difficulties arise? How does the world teach peace in the midst of tough financial situations or an unfavourable medical diagnosis? This is where the peace of Christ triumphs.

We can achieve a sense of interior peace despite the exterior sufferings when we fix our minds on things that are heavenly. We can always draw great strength from realizing our identity as beloved children of God. God loves us. This reality alone has the profound effect of easing the greatest of crosses. St. Teresa of Avila says “Let nothing perturb you, nothing frightens you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.” God is always faithful towards us. The next time we`re in a moment that threatens to rob us of our peace, let us take a deep breath, call to mind the smiling gaze of Christ towards us, and pray, “Jesus, I love you.”

Summary

Jesus tells us “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” The world promotes peace as something that is achieved through exterior possessions or circumstances, yet it offers no remedy for times of great trial. On the other hand, with Jesus, the next time we`re in a moment that threatens to rob us of our peace, let us take a deep breath, call to
mind the smiling gaze of Christ towards us, and pray, “Jesus, I love you.”

https://www.archtoronto.org/stewardship