Monday, 7th Week of Easter
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.”
Peace is usually understood as freedom from war or public disturbance. On the level of the individual person, peace means absence of mental conflict. But the Hebrew shalom (peace) is more encompassing. Its fundamental idea is well-being in its totality. Anything that contributes to the wholeness can be expressed in terms of shalom or peace.
Peace is the fruit of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Again, the word peace or shalom is rich in significance. It does not simply mean the mere absence of problem or conflict or war. Rather, peace is an expression of harmony and communion with God.
The problem is that we miss Christ’s peace by doing things “my way.” We are the ones who place obstacles in the way of his peace when we let our pride, our selfishness and fear take over. As long as we insist on being independent and self-sufficient, as long as we believe that we are in total control of our life, we refuse room in our hearts for a loving and saving God. Why is it that we often forget that all that we have, all that we are, all that we can be, comes from a merciful and loving God?
Paano nga ba natin matatagpuan at mararanasan ang handog ng kapayapaan o gift of peace na ibinibigay sa atin ni Hesus? In order to find and experience that gift of peace, we are to be people of faith, who recognize the presence of God in all the varied experiences of life. Allow me first to say this: Peace does not come from our own doing, nor from outside forces, nor from external circumstances. It does not result from our own successes, achievements, and accomplishments. It does not happen when we have a new home, or have a lot of money to buy fancy cars or the latest gadgets. Peace comes when we know that God loves us and when we confidently trust in that love – especially when we go through trials, hardships, and difficulties… or when we face a crisis – be it in our personal life or our family… or when we experience failures, frustrations, and disappointments… or when we are sick or afflicted with a terminal illness… or when we are neglected, rejected, or persecuted… or when are wounded and broken-hearted.
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.”
Parokya ni Osong 