Homily: May 9, 2023, Tuesday of the fifth of Easter (Peace)

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 Jesus said to his disciples: "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." 

These same first disciples were persecuted and martyred thereafter. What is the peace that Jesus gives?

When we were seven children all together at home, it was so wild. Looking back at those days, I admire my parents with their faith and patience. When it got too noisy with our playing or fighting, mommy would walk out of the house and just sit out somewhere. If we go look for her, she would tell us, "Leave me alone. I need some quiet time, a little bit of peace." After some time, she would regain her energy and come back in to continue her chores. 

When we think of peace, most of us would visualize a relaxed environment, having no work, no stress, no trouble, no noise, no enemies. Many times, I thought, "If I get enough funds for the daily needs of this parish, I will be at peace."

Is that true? Would I really be at peace if that condition is fulfilled?

I once saw a poster showing a monk sitting cross-legged in deep meditation, in a calm and relaxed composure, right in the middle of a terrible storm. He looked totally undisturbed. The title of that poster was ‘peace’.

Peace is not the absence of troubles, but the presence of faith. When we know confidently that God is always with us, even if we fail, that He is merciful even if we sin, then we will never be troubled nor disturbed. We will be at peace with ourselves, with others and with life.

A good example we see in today's first reading. The Jews from Iconium and Antioch came to Lystra and stoned Paul. But later on, he went back to Iconium and Antioch to strengthen the communities. He was not afraid, not troubled, but focused on his mission. 

We have peace when we think of the reward we will receive in the life to come. Nothing else in this life matters.

Look at the crucified Jesus, the King of Peace. His suffering, his death did not take away His peace. Instead, he forgave His enemies. That came from true peace, an appreciation that God allowed everything to happen according to scripture, to the prophecies.

This is the peace Jesus gives. When we surrender totally to God, like Jesus did, our heart, mind and spirit will be at peace. Not the peace that the world promises, but an everlasting, true peace. Peace be with you. Amen.


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