Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Acts 14: 19-28; Jn 14: 27-31
All of us are faced with a lot of troubles and difficulties in our lives and we are in need of Peace. In search of peace we, at times ruin our life by ending up in bad places and behaviours. Mostly peace that we seek gives only a temporary peace which vanishes soon and puts us in much more difficult situations. As we reflect on the readings of today, we find Jesus is promising us Peace.
The peace that Jesus promises is not an escape from our trouble, it is not the peace that the world gives but rather His peace gives us the courage to face the world calmly. Dear friends, the peace that we need to seek is: to be able to face our sorrow and pain without being overwhelmed with fear of all that is lost. Jesus encourages his friends not to be troubled or fearful.
A big message that God gives to us is not to fear. God knows that we are easily made fearful, anxious and troubled. We need to strongly believe that God walks with us, hand in hand, with deep care, wanting us to be safe. Even in fear or anxiety, we are safe because we belong to God and that is our real peace.
We feel at peace only when we do not have any problems, difficulties, challenges etc.. But the real Peace can exist in the heart even at times of great turmoil and trouble, pain and illness if we accept the Peace which Jesus gives us. The peace of Christ is the peace of healing and forgiveness, and the peace which comes from doing what we know to be our calling.
Sometimes, even within the toughest times of life, we can sense this peace of Jesus. The peace that Jesus gives us is followed by an invitation to get up and go. From now on let us remember the real meaning of Peace and wish each other joyfully (Peace be with you: With your Spirit) and have the courage to face the difficulties and challenges like Jesus to live in the peace of Christ.