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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 14:27-31a

Jesus said to His Apostles,

“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.”

An offering of peace was a standard Jewish greeting, spoken by the word “shalom.” This greeting was not simply a wish for worldly peace, or a lack of personal worries. The word shalom is filled with meaning that goes straight to the heart as more of a prayer or a blessing for a consummate sense of peaceful satiation. They were offering the deep and abiding peace of Yahweh to one another. When Jesus says this to His disciples, the greeting finds its deepest and fullest meaning, for a peace that can never be threatened or extinguished.

We need to reflect on this kind of peace, which is not going to be understood in this world. Jesus has extended this offer to all of us. Priests offer this peace to us in the Mass, and we extend it back to him. We must think about these words as we say them. “Peace be with you; and with your spirit.” We can have this peace, know this peace, in a right relationship with the Holy Trinity.

This world, with all its complications and worries and hatred and violence can weigh us down if we allow it, but Jesus Christ has truly conquered our worst fears with His cross. His offer of peace gives us assurance of ultimate victory over the sufferings of this life and will lead us to the eternal peace of heaven. Know who you are, who made you, and where you are headed. Embrace the “other-worldly” peace of Christ!

 

Ponder:

 

"What takes away your peace of soul cannot come from God.” (Jose Maria Escriva, The Way, 258) What brings fear to my heart and steals my peace?

 

Pray:


Lord Jesus, help me to embody Your offer of peace and grow in understanding of the depth, power, and serenity that comes with accepting Your peace.

 

Click to tweet:
This world, with all its complications and worries, can weigh us down, but Jesus Christ has conquered our worst fears with His cross. #dailygospel

Daily Gospel 2

 

Copyright 2022 Charlene Rack

About the Author

Charlene Rack

Charlene Rack

Charlene Rack grew up in the "heartland," moved south to Cincinnati, married a Catholic man, converted to Catholicism, and had three children. Along the way, she's planned many mission trips, youth groups, and pilgrimages to the March for life for teens and young adults - all carried out with her goofy sense of humor and her enthusiastic sense of adventure. Read her blog at Grandma’s Coffee Soup.