Word to the Wise
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 - 5th Week of Easter - Tues
[Acts 14:19-28 and John 14:27-31a]"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." [John]
MAY 5 ST. VINCENT FERRER, O.P.
At every celebration of the Eucharist [at least in most Catholic parishes in the U.S.A.] after the words of Jesus about his gift of peace we are invited to exchange a sign of peace. This gesture, ironically, has become a matter of controversy! In the gospel today, Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is about to happen to him when they leave the Last Supper. He wants them to know that he is doing something that is necessary and important. He is returning to the one who sent him so that the Spirit may be sent to be with them. The peace he is offering is one of assurance of his and the Father's love in whatever will happen.
What is it that we are offering in the "sign of peace?" Is it nothing more than a gesture because it is one of those things that goes with the Mass? Has it any meaning different from those "Howdy!" gestures that many parishes do just before beginning Mass? Do we shrink from saying hello to the stranger near us in the pew? Is Jesus' peace something abstract and in the past? Are we less afraid and troubled than before? If we pray at Mass for the peace of Christ, why would we, as disciples, refuse to share it?
The "Farewell Discourse" will continue to challenge us in the days ahead. AMEN