REFLECTIONS TODAY
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. Shalom is also related to the Hebrew perception of salvation which is God’s gift and his action on behalf of the people of Israel. The covenant between the Lord and the people provides the gifts of shalom which includes liberation from evil individuals and groups and the acquisition of well-being and happiness.
In the New Testament, the Greek eirene (peace) is much the same as the Hebrew shalom. It basically means well-being and salvation. Peace is the gift of God in the person of Jesus Christ. It is the fruit of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Jesus breaks the enmity caused by sin. Paul writes of Christ, “For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh... that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death” (Eph 2:14-16). That peace is the fruit of Jesus’ paschal mystery is made clear in the proclamation of it to the disciples: “Peace be with you.”
That this peace brings forgiveness and totality of God’s gift is made clear by the accompanying words of empowerment from the risen Savior: “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (Jn 20:22-23).
Gospel • John 14:27-31a
Jesus said to his disciples: “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. 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.
And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.