May 26, 2019: Sixth Sunday of Easter

Reading: John 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.
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.

“You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”

Reflection:

Jesus was preparing his disciples for his leaving. How hard this must have been to hear and understand. The disciples rightly feared Jesus’ departure and what it would mean to be left alone without their teacher, their mentor and friend. The fear of the unknown is scary. Jesus goes on to answer their fearful thoughts as he says, “my peace I leave to you, my peace I give to you.” He was not leaving them orphans, but was sending them an advocate, the Holy Spirit, to guide, comfort and be with them throughout their lives.

There are times in our lives that we too face the pain of those we love leaving us and our hearts seem broken. Jesus reminds us to throw ourselves into God’s compassionate embrace, and trust that God’s peace will enfold us as he helps us heal from the loss.

Action:

Where are we called today and this week to bring peace?