We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples: “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.”
(John 14:27)
Living in Peace
How many times have you heard politicians and beauty contestants give lip service to “world peace”? They mean utopia, absence of war, trials and difficulties. This is hardly the peace that Jesus calls His peace. He told us, “In the world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Today’s gospel gives us an insight into Jesus’ peace, His peace amid persecution and as he knowingly faces his torturous passion and death. He tells us at the end of this gospel passage, “the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me” (John 14:31). In other words, His peace, the peace he gives to us is grounded in a loving relationship with the Father and doing the Father’s will.
We too can experience Jesus’ peace as we do the Father’s will, courageously living the gospel in the paths he has pre-ordained for each of us. It all starts with a loving relationship rooted in daily personal prayer, especially with the word of God, listening to his voice, getting to know him, to know his goodness and love for us.
We learn to trust him, to depend on his greatness, his power, his love, not our limitations and fears.
We desire to wholeheartedly respond to God’s call in our lives because like Jesus “the world must know that I love the Father and I do just as the Father has commanded me.” Then we find that “the peace of God, which passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) takes root in us and overcomes any circumstances we may face along the way because we trust in our faithful God. We know that he will never abandon us. We know that where he leads, he will provide. We know all things will work for our eternal good. We know that the Prince of Peace has overcome the world!
How can I grow in a more trusting relationship with God to experience his peace and courageously step out in faith to do his will?
Lord, open my heart to your love that I may trust you, do your will and live in your peace. Amen.
Reflection by:
Alicia Goodwin is the Director of the Marian Servants of Divine Providence®, a Public Association of the Faithful of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and a community of Spirit-filled men and women guiding God’s people to healing, freedom and purpose in Christ through healing prayer, spiritual direction, and retreats. Their Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence School of Spiritual Direction® offers certification for spiritual directors in association with Franciscan University of Steubenville. They are located at Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer® by Old Tampa Bay in Clearwater, FL. where all are welcome to attend Masses, Adoration and special speaker events. Alicia holds a Master in Theological Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX and a B.A. in Languages and Linguistics from Florida Atlantic University. She and her husband Lee have 3 children, 4 grandchildren and one adorable great grandchild. For more information on the Marian Servants please visit www.divineprovidence.org.