Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” 

 

Gospel Reading John 14:27-31a

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

 

Many of you are preparing for finals or have other serious issues weighing you down.  Jesus tells his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Jesus is saying farewell to his disciples and he understands that there are many trials that they are facing and that .  He tells them that the leader of the world is coming, but not to fear, for he is with the Father who can overcome the trials of the world.  He tells them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”  Christ is about to be crucified and the apostles will feel like they’re on their own.  Up to this point, they always had Jesus physically with them to comfort them during their times of trial.  The apostles were about to lose their security blanket. Jesus was like that parent with the little child tightly wrapped around his leg for security.  They clutched on tightly to Jesus as he was their protection from the ruler of the world.  But it was time for Him to leave them.  He knew that the apostles would be scared once he left because this was brand new territory for the apostles.  Up until now they always had Jesus to support them.  It’s easy to stand proud and tall when you got the big guy backing you up.  But now it was going to be up to them because was not going to be physically present next to them.  For the first time, they were going to have to defend the faith standing alone. Or will they?  Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”  Maybe it should really say be calm, because I have made the turbulent waters calm or possibly relax, I will always be there with you even though you do not see me.  He gives the gift of peace to calm their souls because the sea they are going to sail upon is very rough.  He can provide the same calming grace if we just accept the peace which he offers us.  This is the peace and joy we experience when we stand tall for our Christian beliefs.  How do you feel when you defend your faith.  Do you cower back or do you stand tall knowing the peace and joy of Christ is with you?   If you are going through some rough times, remember, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” 

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, may the your peace fill my soul.

May the joy of knowing you revive my life.

Give me the strength to stand tall in my faith.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon