Peace in Our Time

Gospel: John 14: 27-31

"Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."

Jesus says these words after extending to us his peace.  Why such a warning? We human beings have this notion that peace consists in having our material needs met - a comfortable suburban existence in our secure gated communities far from all the problems of the world.  But this is, in fact, the opposite of peace.  Such comfort leads to endless worry - the need to maintain it and protect it and guard it from others who would have it.  This notion of peace leads to mistrust and enmity toward others.  

But the peace Jesus proclaims is the peace he experienced in being one with God alone.  It is the peace he experienced in his passion and death where he was utterly alone and abandoned by all, trusting in God alone.  It was a peace so profound that it enabled him to forgive a penitent thief and all those who put him to death.  The peace of Jesus is one that enables us to overcome the ultimate human fear - death itself.  

If the peace of Christ exists within us, fear and anxiety are set aside.  They are not eliminated - they still exist.  But they do not rule the day and govern our hearts.  Their loud voices still resound, but the still, quiet voice of peace wins the day and leads us to a life of trust and love, joy and hope.  The peace of Christ is not found in the suburbs; it is found in God alone.