Gospel of Peace - Week 5: Monday

John 14:27

My peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.

Commentary

Fr. Tadros Malaty
That peace is not like the one which the world gives to us. It is not just a verbal greeting. Rather, it is a true blessing that is expressed as He offers Himself to those who believe in Him. The world, with all its potentials, cannot offer such peace. Moreover, in spite of all the sadness in the world, nothing can withdraw that peace from a believer. This is because whatever the world grants affects the body and is limited by time and place. As for the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ, it embraces the whole human being. Neither time nor place can restrict it: the Lord's peace draws the human soul to experience eternity.

St. John Chrysostom
The disciples were greatly troubled when they heard the Lord's words: "I go to prepare a place for you". They imagined that His departure would arouse enmity and wars against them. Notice how the Lord dispels their anxiety when He tells them: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you". He almost told them: ‘As long as My peace embraces you, what harm can the world inflict upon you?’

Questions

• Do we often try to find peace in earthly things instead of God?

• Is it difficult to feel a sense of peace everyday?

• What are some times in your life that you’ve felt the peace of God?

• How does having the peace of God assist us against the devil?