Recently, I’ve been hearing from people that they’d like to experience peace in their families, themselves, and their communities.
It seems like, as a whole, we’re pretty wound up. I am sure you could tell me plenty of reasons for it: driving a car pretty much anywhere, the constant bombardment by alerts on our phones, and the use of phones and tablets as on-demand news and social media sources.
There’s also the current financial instability and the uncertainty of conflicts between nations and ideologies within nations. And there’s more: health, relationships, school, work, your next-door neighbor, or perhaps your relationship with God has you on edge. Hopefully, this list hasn’t added to your stress!
The good news is that today’s gospel from John is the antidote. Jesus said to His disciples of that time and now us: “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
Right there, Jesus acknowledges that the first disciples needed to be reassured; they needed to have their anxieties calmed down to the point of peacefulness so that they could follow in the steps of Jesus and present others with a life that was both fruitful and joyful. It’s hard to be productive and be in a good mood when we’re stressed all the time.
So where do you go when you’re stressed?
Is it your room, your car, or some other private place; or is it for a walk along the beach or in the woods?
Or is there someone you talk to that helps reassure you that you can handle whatever is going on?
Do you ever go into a chapel or church to escape the rest of the world, to spend time in quiet with the Eucharistic Lord? I have to confess, that’s my list, but maybe part of yours, too!
Wherever or to whomever you go, you can receive the peace of Jesus. By asking Him for it, telling Him what is troubling you, and that you need His help.
Jesus tells us, “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.”
And that’s good news, too, because sometimes, that walk, talking to your favorite calm person, or going to the beach still doesn’t do the trick … and this is when we need to hear the words of Jesus, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Jesus makes that claim with authority that reassures us because of what He tells us next, that He not only returned to God the Father, where He intercedes for our needs, but also that He will come back for us.
This means that whatever has us stressed now, Jesus will lead us through … and that one day, He will come back and lead us home to Heaven. How’s that for a reason to have peace of mind and body … Jesus is with us all the time.
Reverend David S. Marcham is the Vice Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Patrick Peyton, and Director of the Father Peyton Guild, whose members pray for Father Peyton’s beatification and spread his message of the importance of Family Prayer. Prior to becoming a seminarian, Father David was a physical therapist and clinical instructor, serving hospital inpatients and outpatients throughout the greater Boston area for eleven years. In 1998 he heard the call to priesthood and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston in 2005. Father David grew up in Quincy, MA, and has fond memories of playing soccer, tennis and running track. You’re never without a friend when Father David is around, as he welcomes everyone into his circle with a smile on his face!
