“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

The first thoughts that come to my mind as I read this text are questions to myself, “Am I at peace? Is the peace that I have the peace given by Christ? Have I truly opened my heart and soul to receive this gift of peace?”

Many things occupy my thoughts, events that affect my emotions, activities, and responsibilities that must be accomplished daily.

There are times when I want to sit and stare at nothingness, to think of nothing, or to feel nothing. But I also know that this is not real peace. This nothingness is not the peace Christ wants to give me. He wants to give me more. A deep, lasting peace within that will be the source of strength and courage to face each day. The kind of peace that will intensify my love for him, knowing that his peace is his love. And this peace is joy.

In 1859, Saint Peter Julian Eymard spoke about the peace of the soul: Peace is the condition of happiness; happiness is when one is at peace in one’s soul and at peace with God. Our Lord goes further; he says he will give them the joy he had in his Father (cf. John 15:10-11); it is nothing other than the joy of God’s will; he gives it to them.

“The peace of Our Lord surpasses every feeling and sweetness of this world (Philippians 4:7); his peace is his love, as peace of the body is health.”

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for your gift of peace, and may this gift touch us where we most need it. Help us always rise from prayer with renewed trust in you as we face the things you want to be done. May we always act out of love. Amen.