Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you
Those were Jesus’ words to apostles in today’s Gospel . The words you hear at the Eucharist each Sunday. And the last word you hear in the liturgy of the Mass – Go in Peace
It’s what most of us seek desperately in our life. A sense of Peace.
Our world tries to tell us that it can give us peace. A moment away from the pressures of daily life.
- But usually it is wrapped up in the purchase of that new Lexus with the ultra-quiet cabin as you drive through roads with no traffic, and mountains in the distance.
- Or it’s in losing those extra few pounds using someone’s diet.
- Or firming up those abs by buying the DVD available for only $19.99 if you buy now, operators are waiting.
In fact, most of modern advertising wants to promise you a sense of inner peace of some sort or another, if you use their product, or book their holiday vacation. In the final analysis, its not about you using their product to achieve peace, its about them using you.
Not as the world gives, do I give peace to you.
So, let’s get serious for a moment.
What stops us from being at peace ?….. whether in the world, with our neighbors or family or even within ourselves
The answer? Fear
- Fear of failure
- Fear of change – really, that’s fear of not being in control of our lives
- Fear of being neglected – of our lives being meaningless and without purpose
Fear imprisons us, robs our peace. Fear keeps us from realizing our dreams. Fear keeps us from taking part in dreaming God’s great dream for humanity
It’s no surprise that “Be Not Afraid” is the most common phrase in the scriptures.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus said to his disciples, and to us … Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. I am Real. I am here. It’s OK. You are safe.
No matter where you go, I am right there with you.
No matter what you do, I am always there. I won’t leave you.
And I could never ever forget you. You mean the world to me.
Oh what joys I have in store for you. How delighted I will be when we are together for eternity.
How I admire you as you face life’s struggles day by day.
How I cry with you in sad moments and laugh with you in joyous moments.
How very proud I am of you.
You see those birds outside — they are singing for you. Do you see the beauty of the flowers just blooming? I did that for you ! Do you like it ?
I am here. I am real. So when life throws some changes at you, or our society tries to convince you that I am really just a psychological crutch – don’t believe them.
We shall see each other and – oh what joy there will be for both of us. You’ll get to see me in a whole new way, and see the richness of creation in a way you have only barely glimpsed at.
You mean everything to me – I’d even die for you. In fact, I did.
So don’t worry. Don’t be afraid. I love you always. And if you love me back – just a little – my joy will become even more complete.
Jesus words in today’s Gospel are his words for you today.
Peace I leave with you; ….. not as the world gives, but my peace I give to you, a true peace that comes from knowing you are loved, you are valuable, you are special to me, and that your life has meaning and purpose in God’s great dream for humankind.
So, don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. Be at Peace …..