Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Bible Text: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives”. John 14. 27-31
Peace is one of the essential fruits of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When Jesus uttered these words, He is preparing his disciples for the worst case scenario in their mission. Persecution will be inevitable. People were very hostile to them because they could not yet accept that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and they are greatly disturbed by the demands of the teachings of Jesus. People in power had only one aim, they do not want to permeate the Jesus words and wanted as much as possible to prevent the disciples from speaking to the people so they could only resort to kill anybody who will proclaim Jesus Christ publicly. Apparently, Jesus tells them, do not be overcome by fear and death.
Nowadays, there might people who are lonely because of isolation, some are anxious because of the loss of jobs and investments and scores are in fear because this virus is extremely unpredictable which means it can strike us from nowhere anytime. The same message of peace is being re-echoed to us. Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina once said “Peace is simplicity of heart, serenity of mind And TRANQUILITY of soul. First, it is simplicity of the heart. The reason why we are working so hard is to make sure that we will live in abundance of life. We want to enjoy life in its fullness. These worldly allurements are actually dividing our hearts, making our life extremely complicated. Consequently, our life is very restless. Jesus is telling us to experience peace is to focus our hearts only to essential things; to love only things that will bring us closer to God and eliminate unnecessary things that keep us apart from God. Second, it is serenity of the mind. We have to focus on something that relaxes our mind. These past days, I refrain from watching news because they are very stressing and just repetitive. It talks about uncertainties and rivalry who can give the best solution to the pandemic. However, the bible is worth reading to calm down our minds from being bewildered. The word of God gives hope, joy and light to our life. Third, it is serenity of the soul. The soul serves as our connecting rod with God. We have to keep our souls anchored to the very person of Christ by following His will in our life. Continue to discern whether your decision and action are pleasing to God. Be passionate of putting the word of God in your daily life.
I love the canticle of Zachariah recently, peace I leave you, peace my gift to you.