Daily Gospel Reflection for April 16, 2020

Today's Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

If there is one thing missing in our world today, it’s peace. Amid a global pandemic, international conflicts, inter-religious conflicts, political campaigns, natural disasters, immoral lifestyles, broken families, and our own inner turmoil, many of us feel that peace is out of reach, yet we long for it.

It appears contradictory that the disciples would be in such turmoil after Jesus had raised from the dead. Shouldn’t they be elated? Their leader and friend who had died was now alive again! Yet they were terrified, all huddled together in hiding. They had no clue what had just happened. They didn’t understand it. How could they feel that burning in their hearts once again, that feeling of being so alive in His presence? Where could they find that peace?

The simple answer is, they couldn’t. Because peace does not come from our own efforts, from what we do or do not do, from how stressful our life is or is not, with how many overwhelming conflicts occur all around us. Rather, peace comes from God. In Him and with Him alone will we find peace.

A close friend once shared about a near-death experience he had as a teenager. In the middle of an appendectomy, his heart stopped. His spirit hovered over his body briefly and then soared heavenward where he saw his life flash before him in a tunnel and then glimpsed the silhouette of Jesus as he walked toward the light. Then, just as quickly, he was revived and awoke at the hospital. Almost 25 years later, he still remembers the peace he felt in that instant, the incredible peace being in the presence of God. He didn’t want to come back.

In God alone is our peace. Let us all hear Him speak to our hearts today, “Peace be with you.”

[Tweet "Peace comes from God. In Him and with Him alone will we find peace. #dailygospel By @mentions"]

Ponder:

Where do I often seek peace of my own accord? Has it brought me the profound peace I long for?

Pray:

Lord, in the midst of the conflict and stress today may bring, grant me Your peace.

Copyright 2020 Tami Urcia

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