Photo illustration by Phil Younk
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Spend time with God to build relationship
Based on Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; 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 Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I 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 Jesus told the disciples not to be afraid, they must have found it hard to understand all he 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.
We need only remember Jesus’ two commandments – to love God and neighbor – to do our part in following him. Prayer, Mass, sacraments (especially Eucharist and reconciliation) and Scripture help us 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 bring us peace whenever we are afraid.
To continue building our relationship with God, we need to talk often and spend time together. We do need peace and quiet in our lives – to get away from all the electronic media and other noise. We need a quiet place (our “desert” prayer space) to be alone to talk to God and tell him what is in our hearts and to be so quiet we can listen to what he tells us. Then, we will know the peace Jesus promises.
The peace Jesus offers differs from the world’s peace that is often imposed by force. Jesus’ peace is offered freely and 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 with others. Jesus keeps his promises. Jesus is our peace.
