Peace I Leave With You

‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 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. Rise, let us be on our way. John 14:18-31

We do not live in a time of peace, but a time when war seems to build daily. The losers of war are never truly nations but rather the innocent children, spouses, and elderly caught in the crossfire, many who don't survive. Peace means giving up some control, all arrogance and selfish interests. It requires us to put the innocent people first, not the rage of the leaders. Jesus does not lead from power but with love first and those of us who follow Jesus are called to lead always with love.

Loving Creator, you teach us your peace

as the sun sets and the babies fall asleep

and in the deep quiet when you are here.

We want to get our way and demands

yet we lose when we are selfish and unkind

for peace is a gift given with a humble heart.

Lift us from all arrogance and fear today

and move us to the big table of peace

where we sit with your love and peace around us. Amen.