One People of God - the Peace effect

WORD 2day - Tuesday, Fifth week in the Eastertide

April 30, 2024 - Acts 14: 19-28; John 14: 27-31

I am the vine and you are the branches - that is the wish that the Risen Lord has with respect to us. It is in being united in the Lord that we become one people, one people of God. This note that the Word gave us last Sunday, continues through this week, reminding us of the varied effects this "remaining" one with the Lord can create within us. Yesterday we spoke of the Spirit effect, and today we reflect on the Peace effect. 

When we are united with and united in the Lord, we experience what is called the peace effect, a peace that the Lord gives. The Lord himself clarifies it is not like the peace that the world gives - that peace which is precarious, fragile, to be handled with utmost care. Instead, the Lord declares: I give you peace, my peace I give you! What would the difference be, that is the point of today's reflection.

Peace that lasts - because it is not constructed on a delicate and bogus structure that looks fancy but lacks any internal substance, feared to collapse anytime, caused by just a word or even a gesture. Instead it is a peace that is built of hardships and sufferings, sweats of blood and interior determination. Everything may pass, this peace shall not!

Peace that spreads - because it is not a flimsily publicised and soon reproached set of principles and contracts. Instead it is built on a covenant, a fidelity that is infallible, the faithfulness of God that follows us forever. It is that steadfastness that guarantees this peace and it inspires people. If the early Christian community which was so much persecuted gained numbers, it was because of this quality of spreading!

Peace that prepares - because it is not just a feel-good experience or a make-shift arrangement for the moment. Instead it prepares us for a greater gift, a much profound mystery - that of the Reign. The peace that the Lord gives is a preparation for, a foretaste of the Reign, because it is founded on righteousness and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Peace be with you!