by Mr. Francis D'Souza
I share with you on this subject for 3 reasons:
First – It is the legacy left for us by Jesus in Jn.14:27. They are also the first words he spoke to his disciples after he rose from the dead.
Second – The word “Peace” appears 302 times in the Bible (ecumenical version). Some of the references are Judges 6:24, John 14:27, John 16:33, Psalm 119:165, Isaiah 26:3.
Thirdly, the state of the world - we just have to read the newspapers to see how bad the situation is. Also refer to 2 Timothy 3:1-6.
What is Peace ?
- Absence of war and conflicts among individuals
- State of blissful unity and oneness
Example:
The competition in which two paintings came up for choosing the winner.
One showed a quiet mountain top scene – a river flowing by with trees on either side giving a beautiful picture of tranquility.
The other picture showed a waterfall and a tree nearby. A bird sitting on the branch of that tree was feeling the cold because of the spray from the waterfall but it remained calm and serene.
The second picture was the winner showing PEACE is what we experience in spite of troubles and difficulties.
Who gives this Peace ?
The world gives peace through Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Pleasures, Occult. This peace however is bogus, counterfeit, temporary; having a lot of ill- effects.
But the peace, Jesus-the Prince of Peace gives is the real PEACE with no side effects and is lasting.
How does one obtain this Peace?
John 16:33 tells us “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace”. By abiding in Him (fellowship). This we do by confessing and rejecting all known sin.
Isaiah 26:3 says “Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.” We can have perfect peace by keeping our focus on Him and trusting Him to meet all our needs according to his wisdom.
Psalm 119: 165 says “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them”. We can have great peace by obeying his Word. By knowing his Word, we paint a big picture of God for whom nothing is impossible. We are aware of the great things He had done in the past.
We cannot have peace in the world unless we are at peace with God, and Jesus has already achieved this for us – Romans 5:1.
This peace has to be passed on and that is why at the mass we wish peace to one another and it is so important that we do it meaningfully. We should actually be peacemakers and reconcilers and so qualify to be called sons and daughters of God.
And so in conclusion, let us remember :
NO JESUS, NO PEACE
KNOW JESUS, KNOW PEACE