Word to the Wise
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 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]
Jesus has told his disciples that he would be leaving them, which, no doubt, was a cause of fear! They had put all their hopes in him as their leader and teacher. Their faith was imperfect and would be in need of the Holy Spirit which would be given after Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus tries to assure and encourage them in the face of an immediate and long term challenge. HIs words are repeated each time the Eucharist is celebrated in memory of the occasion they were given: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you..." We are encouraged when we hear those words to share that peace with those around us. Not everyone is fond of the gesture which has profound significance if we give it its true meaning. "Not as the world gives do I give it to you."
The Lord's "peace" does not guarantee absence of human conflict. His peace is sustaining many in places of terrible conflict like Gaza or Ukraine at the present time. It does not guarantee absence of conflict in families, nations or local communities unless we are motivated to share it. When that motivation is present, we enable others to persevere. We are the instruments of the Lord's peace. This may help us to understand the significance of that gesture at Mass. The Lord has given us his peace. Why would we be reluctant to share it? Are our hearts "troubled and afraid" of those who are there with us? The prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is one we often sing at Mass: "Make me a channel of your peace!" Perhaps that can help us to understand the importance of Jesus' peace and the importance of our sharing it. AMEN