Written on: May 22, 2019
Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29
Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8
Revelation 21: 10-14, 22-23
John 14: 23-29
Jesus gives us a great gift in this Sunday’s Gospel when He says to each of us:
“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.”
What a wonderful gift to receive in the society in which we live today. Many people are anxious and fearful:
What is peace?
Peace is defined as tranquility, calmness, serenity. Where do we find inner peace? Does it come from material things; from things I think will make me happy?
Peace comes from within me and is pure gift from God.
So how do I get this inner peace as Jesus gives it? It comes from my relationship with Jesus, with God. So what do I do to deepen this relationship with Jesus?
We can learn this by taking time for personal prayer; by praying with the Gospel passages which reveal Jesus’ life.
We learn that Jesus respected people no matter who they were or what they had done.
We ask ourselves: Do I have this same attitude toward others; do I accept all people? Do I strive to love each person as Jesus loves each one of us? His love was so great that He gave His life for us. He suffered died and rose from the dead to redeem us no matter what we have done.
Jesus accepts us; helps us to move on.
When we are anxious, upset or afraid, we call on Jesus to help us. He is always with us. In such times, Jesus gives us His gift of inner peace. This peace becomes our gift to share with all we meet. Jesus’ words reassure us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid!” We will not be overwhelmed by fear and anxiety! We can become peace-bearers to others. What a better world it will be when we offer this gift to our neighbors!
Pope Francis tells us:
“Every human being desires communion and peace. Everyone needs peaceful co-existence. But this can grow only when we also build inner peace in our heart. Many people live in a constant hurry. In this way all that they have inside them tends to be overwhelmed . . . Let us try in contemplation and prayer, to achieve ever greater familiarity with God. And gradually we will discover that the heavenly Father wants what is good for us. He wants to see us happy, full of joy and serene.”
Featured photo: Lilly Rum/Unsplash
Sister Marlene Butler, GNSH spent most of her religious life in education as a teacher, campus minister or in administration as well as congregational leadership. For a number of years, along with that, she did retreat ministry and spiritual direction which she continues to do at this time. “I enjoy nature and have particularly been enjoying spring in Philadelphia with the beauty of the flowering trees and bushes.”
Thanks, Marlene, for this message about the peace the world cannot give. May we all be blessed with it!
THANKS MARLENE for sharing the Gospel message of Peace which we so need today in our world, in our cities, and most importantly in our mind and heart.
Thank you. I will try.
ahhhhhaaaa. I do believe that this will be part or our Associate meeting tomorrow morning. Thank you Sr. Marlene.
as always Marlene, you hit the nail on the head…thank you so much for all your sharing and spreading God’s love all these years in all your undertakings…love, Pat
I enjoyed this peace filled message. I have a request. If possible could you supply me with a prayer for our ecology, spirituality weekend. A message that will deliver a message from our heavenly Father to be aware of this earth that He has so graciously left to our care…. thank you for your consideration, Mimi Palkovics
Thank you, Sr. Marlene, for your sharing. You have given me much to contemplate and strive to live. Let us pray and strive together for this peace which the Risen Lord can give.
Sr. Mary Teresa LaBrake, GNSH