‘Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you. A peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you
John 14.27
People always treasure the last words of a loved one especially if they come from someone whon is at peace and read to die. St. John, the beloved disciple, who leaned on the Lord’s breast at the Last Supper, must have listened very carefully to his Masters farewell discourse. There was so much to remember but then of course, Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would enlighten them and help their memories.
In the passage read at Mass today, Jesus is bequeathing his own peace to his disciples. Our Lord knew what was to befall him – betrayal, suffering and death. And yet he was at peace. That peace came from his close relationship with his Father. Jesus knew that his Father would be with him through it all.
So as he approached his death, our Lord was more concerned about his disciples than he was about himself. He didn’t want them to be anxious or afraid and above all he wanted them to have peace in their hearts.
This is Our Lord’s wish for us too – ‘peace be with you’. Next time we hear the priest say these words at Mass, let us open our hearts to receive with joy and gratitude Christ’s Easter gift of peace I give you. Then we can be channels of this peace to all those whose lives we touch.
Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. ( St. Frances of Assisi )
