John 14: 27-31a
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Infinite, Passionate Love
The Lord tells us not to be troubled or afraid because he gives us his peace. The peace of the Lord comes to us when we intentionally dispose ourselves to remain in his loving companionship as we go about daily life. It comes from the knowledge that we are literally held in existence in the fire of God’s divine, passionate, infinite love for us at every single moment of every single day.
The Lord does not promise that we will not encounter difficulties, hurts, or frustrations. Such challenges are an inevitable part of this earthly pilgrimage through mortal life. Rather, the peace that he offers is meant to be transformative. It is like an endlessly refreshing spring that flows from the depths of our souls where the Lord himself dwells. It enables us to see the world, ourselves, and others anew. Clothed in the peace of the Lord, there is no challenge or trial that we cannot overcome with tranquility, charity, and trust.
—Ben Jansen, SJ, is a Midwest Jesuit scholastic teaching English and anthropology at Elisabeth University of Music in Hiroshima, Japan.
Prayer
O holy and ever-living God, we are sustained in existence at each moment of our lives through the fire of your infinite, passionate love for us. In the face of the countless distractions that constantly barrage us, please grant us the strength and clarity of purpose to intentionally remain in your holy presence as we go about each day. Fill us with your love, O God, and grant us your peace that we might meet every circumstance and encounter with gentle charity and trust in your unfailing providence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Ben Jansen, SJ