Reflection for the 6th Sunday of Easter

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:

• afraid because of their living situation;
• afraid to go into the streets because of shooting and violence;
• afraid to speak the truth because of repercussions;
• afraid because no place seems safe.

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?

• Spend time with Jesus;
• get to know Him;
• learn about Him.
• How does He treat people?
• What are His attitudes toward life?

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.”

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