RBWords

     These words of Jesus in the Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper should be familiar to us.  We hear them just before "the Sign of Peace" at the Eucharist.  The COVID19 pandemic has made the actual physical exchange of that sign a "no-no" for the time being, and some folks have never liked it.  This has a way of overshadowing the gift of Jesus which is more than a polite acknowledgement of the persons around us in the pews.  Jesus is trying to calm the disciples who are beginning to realize that he may be leaving them.  Throughout the Gospel According to John, Jesus has been in charge of his mission and destiny.  His calm confidence in his relationship with his Father is the peace that he seeks to share with the disciples - his peace.  "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."

     Our faith in Jesus is not a denial of the challenges and trials that we face.  It is a recognition that whatever those may be, we can count on God's presence to help us find a way forward.  For the disciples (including us), that "presence" is the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send.  This is more than sentimental piety.  I have often told an overwhelmed student to put his/her faith "to work for you."  The gift of Jesus' peace is that calm confidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in us and we will find a way forward.  AMEN