Peace be with you.

09May
Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give.
- John 14: 27

"The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of His Son Jesus Christ."

“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!”

These magnificent declarations of peace are the concluding words of the Eucharist. They have always given me strength and comfort as I leave our gathering for worship.  

And they are Jesus’ parting words in John’s Gospel during the Last Supper as He tells His disciples that He will be leaving them. He knows what’s ahead for Himself (and them). They will need that peace in the days ahead. He knows the fear and turmoil that they will be facing.

Yes. Peace is one of the gifts Jesus gives His friends during that final gathering.

He gave another gift during that meal when He took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples …. telling them that it is (note the present tense) His Body and that He will always be there with them when they take, bless, break, and share that Bread. That is one reason the Eucharist is so important and central in our worship.  

Another gift was was His command: “Love one another as I have loved you. If you heed my commands I will dwell in you.” He had already given them an example of that love and service as He washed their feet and told them to do it for each other.  

He also promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit whom He calls the Spirit of Truth, the Advocate, the Comforter. (We will soon celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit in the Church year on the Sunday of Pentecost.)

Peace. Whenever we gather to celebrate these gifts of Jesus during the Eucharist we share Jesus’ gift of peace: “The peace of the Lord be always with you.” “And with you too.” We exchange this sometimes with a hug and a kiss; sometimes with a handshake or wink; sometimes with a wave across the room; sometimes with immediate family - sometimes with strangers. This is usually also a time of laughter and chatter…. a happy and interactive time.

For me, it’s also the gift of an opportunity to extend my hand to someone I have a problem with … or someone who doesn’t like me. “Peace.” Can I say that to them? “Peace.” Jesus asks me if I will love them the same way He loves me even if I don’t like them. If they are not open to my offering, I don’t push them. But I do find more peace in my heart for trying. “Peace. Peace. May you have Jesus’ peace.” “Peace with you too.”

I can’t comprehend the vastness of the love which Jesus gives us or how the Holy Spirit works to give us the strength to love and serve each other. I don’t understand how this peace works. But I don’t have to.  

That peace and love of God passes all understanding. May it keep your heart and mind in the knowledge and love of God and God’s Son Jesus Christ. Now, go in peace to love and serve the Lord!  

Musical Reflection - Peace is Flowing Like a River - Carey Landry

O God of peace, you have taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- The Prayer for Quiet Confidence. Book of Common Prayer p 832
New TestamentPeace
Tags
love, jesus, holy spirit, peace, eucharist

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