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Commentary of the Gospell
The Gift of Peace
The introductory rites of the liturgy always begin with the greeting: “Peace be with you”. This was the first message of the Risen Lord every time he appeared before his disciples.
Today’s Gospel begins with this similar promise: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” The peace that Jesus promises is a gift that contains every other gift we need. Jesus addresses His friends with tenderness, sensing their troubled hearts. As He approaches the impending crisis of His arrest, passion, and crucifixion, He remains anxious yet steadfast. Fr. Richard Rohr reminds us that Jesus, too, experiences vulnerability. His humanity shines through, urging us to find solace in our shared struggles. The peace of the Lord is found in fraternity and in the gentleness of encounters with our brothers and sisters.
Jesus also said: “I am going away, but I will return to you”. This is the Lord’s promise to accompany us. Fr. Ron Rolheiser emphasises that this peace is a treasure, a gift we cannot manufacture for ourselves. It flows from Christ’s heart to ours, a balm for our restless souls. We are restless, nervous, worried… . But the Gospel is a reminder, reassuring us that God is present in the darkest moments of our lives and that we must not lose faith.
As we stand on the threshold of uncertainty, Jesus beckons us: “Rise, let us be on our way.” Let us accept His gift—the peace that defies chaos, the peace that transforms hearts. May we carry this peace into a world hungry for solace, becoming bearers of Christ’s promise.