Preet Anupam Beck csc –
Readings: Acts 14: 19-28; Jn 14: 27-31a
The readings of today encourage me to find the meaning of the peace that Jesus promised to his disciples. I understand what this peace means to the Christian communities at present. Jesus gave his disciples his peace, which he clearly said is different from what the world offers.
We believe that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the Father, who sent His Holy Spirit to accompany us and guide us in our lives. In the first reading, Paul was almost stoned to death by the Jews for preaching the gospel.
All of us are called to give witness that Jesus loved us, died for us, rose for us, and is sharing his life with us through our lives. This witnessing in the Spirit is a life of peace. As St. Augustin says, “My heart shall not find rest, until it rests in you, O Lord.”
We have known people giving their lives to protect the faith and people offering their lives to save others’ lives. They are martyrs and have lived a life of witness. The peace that Jesus gives is not relaxation and sleep, but the peace of heart that comes when our lives become witnesses to Jesus.