Jesus told his disciples at the Last Supper, “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” (Jn 14:27). We all yearn for this true peace, and Christ gives it to us as a free gift. So why are our hearts still troubled when we believe that His peace is with us? It could be because we have a worldly understanding of peace. It could also be because we live our lives outside of the present moment by resenting what happened in the past or worrying about what will happen in the future, which destroys our peace.
The world says that peace will happen when everything around us is perfect. When we aren’t suffering. When there is no war in our world, in our homes, or in our hearts. None of this will happen until we reach heaven, but Jesus promises us peace now.
“Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.”
Matthew 6:34
The peace of Christ is not external, but internal. It lives within each of us when we recognize God’s presence there. It’s the peace of knowing that God is your Father who has a plan of hope for you (Jer 29:11), and that by saying “yes” to His will you’re living out that plan. It’s the peace that comes from knowing that He will work all things out for your good so long as you love Him (Rom 8:28). It’s the peace of knowing that whatever you’re going through, Jesus is there beside you, protecting and leading you through the darkest valleys (Ps 23). It’s the peace that comes when you still your mind and heart and listen to the Holy Spirit to speaking to you ever so softly, comforting your spinning thoughts and your aching heart.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
The peace of Christ is resting with God in the present moment. Yesterday has passed; there is no need to waste time resenting it. Tomorrow, though uncertain, is in God’s hands. The peace of Christ reigns in my heart (Col 3:15) when I am fully present in each moment and resting in His loving care, knowing that I am His beloved.
Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
ACTS 15:1-2, 22-29
PSALM 67:2-8
REVELATION 21:10-23
JOHN 14:23-29