+ In the gospel passage today, after announcing his gift of peace to the disciples Jesus
reminds them that the peace he offers is not
like that of the world; for worldly peace comes and goes, being rooted as
it is in the fickle ruminations of the hearts of men. But the peace Jesus gives
is rooted in God, who is eternal, who is all powerful, and who can consistently
keep his promises. And the amazing promise that Jesus makes here on the
Father’s behalf, is that not only would there be a deep abiding peace for those
who commit themselves to him fully, but there would also be a place of peace in the kingdom to which
Jesus would escort each and every person he intended to be there. After making
this promise [this is taking place just before the agony in the garden] Jesus
says that the price to pay for all this is now fast approaching: it will appear that the ruler of this world
[i.e. the devil] will have his way, but
this never even was a possibility, although certain things have now to be
played out – things commanded by the Father; and Jesus says that he will
lovingly and freely do them, because he loves both the Father, and us for whom
he is doing these things.
St.
Paul tells all disciples everywhere and at every time – in
our reading from the Acts of the Apostles – that preaching the gospel and
proclaiming the kingdom in the world is a risky and dangerous business [as he
knew from first-hand experience] – but that it has to be done so that those who
are meant to hear the “good news” of Death and Resurrection of the Son of God – may hear it, come to believe and indeed
become part of the kingdom through baptism. Paul established so many
communities of believers in all of this, and the same faith has persisted and
has come down through the ages to us! And now our mouths speak the praises of the Lord and our flesh blesses his holy
name! Amen! Alleluia!
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