Peace

My peace I give to you

Wouldn’t you like a little more peace in your life and in the world?   News reports are full of stories of conflicts, both national and international.   Relationships suffer from discord or disagreements.   Even our own thoughts and desires can be conflicted at times.   Where can peace come from?

From Jesus, of course!   In today’s Gospel (John 14:27), when he offers peace to his disciples, the word Jesus uses is the Hebrew word shalom, which means welfare and wholeness.   Shalom is used as both a greeting and a farewell—usually between two friends wishing the best for each other.

But Jesus doesn’t simply wish his disciples peace;   he gives it to them.   The peace of salvation.   The tranquility of knowing that he has restored them to his Father in heaven.   The joyful certitude that everything has been put in its proper order, and all hindrances to peace have been removed.

Jesus gives that peace to you too.   It starts internally, as you come to know the mercy, love, and salvation you have received in Christ.   Every time you go to Confession, every time you pray before the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus’ peace takes a greater hold in your life.   It matures every time you stop yourself from getting agitated by what you see around you or within you.   Every time you pray “Come, Holy Spirit,” you are reaching out to the One who speaks peace into your heart.   Gradually, your heart opens up to trust that God’s love for you can overcome any conflict you see.

As you cultivate that internal peace, it will begin to extend out from you into your relationships.   You’ll be less likely to respond in kind if someone blows up at you.   You’ll find it easier to keep smiling when someone cuts you off in traffic.   You might even seek reconciliation with an estranged relative or show kindness to an unfriendly neighbor.

And from there, who knows?   As each of us cultivates peace, it will make the world a more and more peaceful place.

Word Among Us