May 21, 2019 Tuesday
5th Week of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 14:19–28Gospel: Jn14:27–31
Jesus said to his disciples, “Peace be with you; I give you my peace. Not as the world gives peace do I give it to you. Do not be troubled; do not be afraid. You heard me say: ‘I am going away, but I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.“I have told you this now before it takes place, so that when it does happen you may believe. It is very little what I may still tell you, for the ruler of this world is at hand, although there is nothing in me that he can claim. But see, the world must know that I love the Father and that I do what the Father has taught me to do.
”D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)
A story is told of Adam and Eve who were no longer living in peace. Adam was fed up with Eve for her frequent ranting. Wanting to have peace he prayed one day to the Lord in this fashion: “Lord, make me another woman; I still have several ribs, look!” This story never happened, but even if it did, God couldn’t have granted the plea because there are better ways to peace than “good riddance”.
Getting rid of the other merely takes one party to the other side of the same trouble where its oppressive effect is felt even more intensely. The real path to peace is the one paved by Jesus who said: “I give you my peace. Not as the world gives peace do I give it to you.”
“Peace has been understood in different ways though the years. (Komonchak, et al, eds.). Two ideas, however, predominate in Scriptures. The first is peace brought about by right relationship with God. But this requires forgiveness, reconciliation and unity. The second is “eschatological peace” – a final, full realization of God’s salvation when all creation will be made whole. This is what we intend of a beloved dead when we say “rest in peace”.
In the Old Testament, peace was seen from the from the perspective of relationship with God. Thus, in the Old Testament context peace was understood to be built upon justice and fidelity to God’s law (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:10-12; Is. 28:18; Ezek 13:16). In the New Testament, Peace was seen as that gift brought to the world by the shedding of Christ’s Blood. Christ calls everyone to conversion so that everyone becomes bearers of peace through forgiveness and reconciliation (2 Cor 5:19-20). Under this perspective, God’s peace becomes visible through peoples’ lives when characterized by love and the willingness to forgive. But this requires change of heart.
Let us heed the invitation of today’s Gospel to become bearers of peace – one that requires a change of heart.– (Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M.
May comment ka ba sa column ni Father Dan? May tanong ka ba sa kanya? I-type ang BANDERA REACT
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Bandera. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.