Dear Friends and Parishioners,
Jesus said, “Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you.”
I often wonder what does this Peace that Jesus is talking about look like? Is it simply the presence of calm, an absence of chaos, a sense of tranquility, a stress-free life, a feeling of stillness? Would this Peace simply be a moment of silence or a condition of one’s inner self that is able to maintain a deeper sense of placidity? I imagine that it is all the above. However, I am also aware that Jesus’ description of peace is not merely a concomitant or an emotional state of being. Christ’s gift of peace is a spiritual disposition that ratifies and affirms one’s personal human value as the beloved of God. It sounds very abstract. Let me give an example.
During the Octave of Easter, the readings at Mass mentioned Galilee a lot. We know that Galilee was a very significant place for Jesus and His disciples because it was there that their friendship began. In fact, Galilee is a great spiritual analogy to a place within us where we can find the presence of the resurrected Jesus. In other words, Galilee is a place of encounter, a place where the disciples were invited by Jesus to be His missionary collaborators. Friendship was born in Galilee; and the assurance of love remained to be found in Galilee through Jesus. The hearts that were troubled in Jerusalem after the tragedy of the Crucifixion found solace and peace in Galilee with Jesus.
I had the opportunity to visit my hometown recently. It was a nice experience after the pandemic to see my family and friends. One thing I realized after the short trajectory of my visit was that most of my relationships that I left behind over the past 20 years have never changed. The sharing of jokes and childhood memories that I had with my siblings and my friends remained as the link of our relationships. It was very reassuring and comforting to know that there is a bond that continues to exist among us. The assurance and affirmation that was rekindled during my encounter with the people with whom I grew up allowed me to dwell leisurely for a bit in those soothing and liberating sentiments that brought me peace.
I found my Galilee. My relationships were renewed in my encounters. Love was re-kindled. My heart rested for a bit in the reassuring presence of those people who journeyed with me in the initial phase of my life. Could this be the experience also of the first disciples who met the risen Jesus by the shores of Galilee? Friendship began by the shore where doubts and wondering found clarification. Yes, the peace that Jesus gives cannot be offered or given by the world. This peace is simply unique that can only be found in one’s encounter of the re-assuring presence of love in human relationships. Love begets assurance and assurance begets certainty. Peace is the common ground that cradles love, assurance, and certainty. Yes, the peace that Jesus gives affirms and ratifies our identity that we are saved by the One who loved us first. To be totally resigned in Him is our absolute experience of peace.
Sincerely in Christ and Mary,
