The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.

Peace is defined as harmony among those who are divided. When, therefore, we end the civil war within our nature and cultivate peace within ourselves, we become at peace. - St. Gregory of Nyssa: (335 – 395: was bishop of Nyssa from 372 to 376 and from 378 until his death)

Gospel Text: (JN 14:27-31A)

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.

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.

I will no longer speak much with you,

for the ruler of the world is coming.

He has no power over me,

but the world must know that I love the Father

and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

In today’s gospel Jesus says: “My peace I give to you.” Notice the emphasis on “my peace.” By saying these words about peace, Jesus is teaching us that His peace is something different from other forms of peace. There is a difference between what we think of peace and the real peace that comes from Him. It is because we think of peace only as the absence of war.

The peace that Christ left his disciples was not “peace of mind”, “peace and quiet”, “to rest in peace” or “keeps the peace”.  No, it was much deeper.  For the peace Jesus gave his disciples and likewise to each of us was the peace that passes all understanding.  A peace that allows us to conquer all of our fears worries and anguish because we know that God’s love is with us always.  Peace, knowing that the hand of God is constantly on our shoulder; helping us, guiding us and supporting us whenever we feel the need to call upon him.  So in times of stress, tension and turmoil remember the great inheritance Christ left us through these powerful words, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.