The Gift of Peace

 

  Jn 14:27-31a

 Fear Not

²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

²⁸ “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. ³⁰ I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, ³¹ but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

“Come now; let us leave.

Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure. For three years they have been together day and night,  witnessed  countless miracles and have experienced a love that surpassed any they have known before. This intimacy  will end when Jesus returns to the Father; it will necessitate a whole new way of living each day. Jesus assures his followers that he will still care for them and be with them, although in a different way. And so it is today, he is with us in the Eucharist, in prayer, and in community. He gifts us with his peace and encourages us to proceed fearlessly, assuring us that his love will never end.  May we live this day, our entire lives in peace and confidence.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, thank you for the gifts of your presence and peace.. May we live in confidence that you are with us always. Amen.