Jn 14:27-31a
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Held By God’s Grace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
How we need Christ Jesus to keep saying that to us, because these are troubling times, whether due to the fright of the war in Ukraine, or other anguishes and heartaches closer to home.
When watching the news, or listening to a loved one in need, we might even cry out: “Blessed God, it’s all too much for me to bear.” As if we are the caretakers and parents of the whole world, we can feel overwhelmed.
In face of these somber realities, we seek recourse in our faith, and pray for those far away and those near to us. We keep surrendering to our silent yet personal God whom we believe is “before all things, and in whom all things hold together.” (Col 1:27). Moreover, we realize how crucial and needed it is to associate with people of faith and hope, in order to offset the constant worries which are around every corner. Onward we go, together, by God’s grace!
Who are two people who help you remain a person of faith and hope? Maybe greet one today with a call or text.
—Fr. Richard Baumann, SJ, is a regional vocation director for the Midwest Jesuits, and also offers talks on Ignatian and Jesuit spirituality.
Prayer
My God, I do not know what must come to me today. But I am certain that nothing can happen to me that you have not foreseen, decreed, and ordained from all eternity. That is sufficient for me.
—St. Joseph Pignatelli, SJ