peace talks
" 'Peace' is My farewell to you, My peace is My gift to you; I do not give it to you as the world gives peace." —John 14:27
In His last will and testament, Jesus gave His disciples His peace as our inheritance. He commanded us not to "be distressed or fearful" (Jn 14:27). Jesus said that He does not give peace to us as the world gives peace (Jn 14:27).
The world gives peace by providing favorable circumstances. Thus, we are at peace because things are going well and not badly. However, this peace is very insecure due to circumstances beyond our control. The way the world gives peace makes peace a time-bomb ready to explode.
Jesus' peace is non-circumstantial. It depends on our relationship with Him (Jn 16:33) and not on favorable circumstances. In Jesus, we can have peace amid pain, rejection, suffering, and death. Jesus' peace "is beyond all understanding" (Phil 4:7). He doesn't just give peace; He is our Peace (Eph 2:14). God is our Peace. "Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace." Shalom!
Prayer: Father, during this Easter season, order every detail of my life according to Your will. Give me Your shalom-peace.
Promise: "They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, leaving him there for dead. His disciples quickly formed a circle about him, and before long he got up and went back into the town." — Acts 14:19-20
Praise: Whenever Tony and Maria begin to argue, they turn their thoughts back to Jesus and receive His peace (see 2 Cor 10:5).
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 10, 1995
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 13, 1995