Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.”

This peace that Jesus leaves with us is more than the peace of the world for it is the peace of Christ that dwells within our hearts and therefore cannot be taken from us. The peace of this world can fade in conflicts and wars and leave us feeling hopeless, but we take courage because the peace of Christ is not a worldly peace but an eternal peace that existed before time began. This is why the followers of Christ throughout history have joyfully laid down their lives and have endured many hardships and persecutions. This lasting peace is why St. Paul encourages the disciples in their hardships and even says that it is necessary to endure them. Because it is through these hardships we can see that the peace and love of God cannot be destroyed or diminished. It is what gives us the strength and courage to be confronted with the “ruler of this world” and have no fear and to say to all the things that pull away from the path of eternal life, “you have no power over me.”

Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB

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