The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 14:19-28
Psalm 145:10-13,21
John 14:27-31

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I'm fascinated today by what initially appears to be a large contrast in today's readings. In the first reading we find Paul being stoned, dragged out of the city and left for dead. In the Gospel Reading we hear our Lord tell the disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." I find myself wondering what kind of peace is this that permits one of the great apostles to be stoned to death!

As we read on, Our Lord's next line in today's Gospel smoothes out the contrast. "Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." Yes, NOT as the world gives -- that is the key! Our Lord's peace is something not found anywhere else. It comes with the knowledge that no matter what happens to us in this world, our true selves belong to Him and no one else. Christ's peace allowed Paul to be stoned and left for dead. It allowed Stephen to be stoned as the church's first martyr; it allowed all but one apostle to be martyred; and it allowed many to persevere through unthinkable trials and pain for two thousand years. Yes, His peace is something altogether different.

I often find myself under the pressures the world offers and have no peace whatsoever. It is then that I realize I have wrongfully put my trust in things other than our Lord; and when I come to Him, the peace returns. Praise and thanks to you, my Lord, for your complete peace and love.



- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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