MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU!

Prof./Evangel. Michael P. Howard

Sixth Sunday of Easter

"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" (Jn. 14:23-29).

Do Jesus' words inspire you today? Jesus makes a promise to the Disciples, but also to us. Jesus graciously leaves us with one of the most precious virtues we can offer each other: "Peace." However, before sharing this treasured gift, we must understand the potency of the peace that Jesus is giving. His peace will calm the raging storms in our lives. Remember, Jesus spoke to the storm, saying, "Peace, be still." As a good Shepherd, we heard recently that He will lead His sheep to peaceful waters.

Isaiah reminds us that the Lord's peace is powerful. When our minds stay focused on Him, we will find peace. St. Paul reinforces Isaiah's message: "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7). Are you inspired yet by the strength in Jesus' peace?

Now, my brothers and sisters, let's consider one more spiritual insight in this reflection for inspiration. Jesus acknowledges that He will provide us with peace that transcends what the world offers. He said, "Not as the world gives do I give it to you." Essentially, Jesus understands that the peace the world provides is often unstable. When the world offers peace, it comes with strings attached. Like a puppet on a string, the world can dangle various choices before us to distract us from our true path. If you seek peace in the wrong places, you will find yourself vulnerable, as St. Peter warns: "Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pt. 5:8).

As we recognize Jesus' peace, his Shalom for us, we must consider our responsibility to give peace to our neighbor. After all, if we don't provide the peace that Jesus gave us, what good is our peace? Consider how our peace of Christ will look like if we asked that insenitive question, "Am I my borther's or sister's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9). Or what will be the type of peace our sisters and borther will witness when failing to be, "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath"(Ja. 1:8-9). Jesus even asked, "Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish?" (Mt. 7:9). People need peace in this world more than stones or a snake bite! If we share any type of peace other than the Peace of Christ, it will resemble cheap grace. Our peace will be "... a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal" (1 Cor. 13:1).

Therefore, greet everyone you meet with the Peace of Christ. The peace that you received in those troubled times in your life. You remember when Jesus told you in your life's darkest moments, "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." St. Paul said, 'Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful" (Col. 3:15). Because we received the Peace of Christ through the celebration of the sacraments, with a thankful heart, we, too, must say to one another, "Peace be with you!"

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