John 14:27-31
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
28 You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.
30 I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me,
31 but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.
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If you're willing, please take some time today to consider what Christ is giving when he gives us His peace. Note that he says "not as the world gives" -- he's not talking about "peace and quiet", or the absence of activity, or the absence of war, or a "peaceful easy feeling" (I love that song). So what is it?
Here's a glimpse.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul is describing a peace which "surpasses all understanding" ... which means that it's so good that St. Paul literally can't describe it. Reflect on that for a second. So good that Paul can't tell you what it's like. Words completely fail him. And was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write it.
This peace is so strong that we literally have nothing .... NOTHING to worry about. If you've got a worry, take it straight to God. Have NO ANXIETY at all. If you can do this, your heart and mind will be guarded by the peace that surpasses all understanding. The only thing that separates us from that peace is ourselves.
As Father Corapi said on Saturday -- fear is USELESS. A complete waste of time and energy. Christ tells us not to be afraid. Why can't we listen?
