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Based on the Gospel of John 14:23-29
Promises! Promises!
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples at the Last Supper and makes promises to them – the very same promises he makes to us today.
Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and my Father and I will come to him and live with him.”
Then Jesus says, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and help you understand all that I have told you.”
Finally, Jesus says, “My peace I give to you. Do not be afraid. I am going away for a little while, but I will come back to you.”
While at the Last Supper Jesus told the disciples not to be afraid, the disciples must have found it hard to grasp all that Jesus had told them and what they experienced in their time with him. But after Good Friday, Easter, the Ascension, and the Holy Spirit coming on Pentecost, the disciples will know exactly what Jesus meant. They will courageously and fearlessly carry on Jesus’ ministry.
We need only remember Jesus’ two great commandments – to love God and neighbor – to do our part in following Jesus. Prayer, the Mass, the sacraments (especially the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation), and reading of Scripture all help us to grow in grace, love and knowledge of God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit come to us – to live in our hearts, to teach us, and to bring us peace whenever we are afraid.
The peace Jesus offers is different from the world’s peace which is generally imposed by force. Jesus’ peace is offered in freedom. It is ours for the taking. It is the deep feeling of joy in our minds and hearts that comes from asking Jesus to be at the center of our lives, trying our best to live as his followers, and sharing his love and goodness with others.
Jesus keeps his promises. Jesus is our peace.
