The gift of peace is grounded in love

May 13, 2007 -- Sixth Sunday of Easter

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. What do you do when your heart is troubled and fearful? 2. What is the connection between love and peace? 3. How are peace and joy connected?

Of the many Easter themes it is peace that is close to the top of the list. The risen Lord is clear that his farewell gift is that of peace, the deep experience that relationships are properly ordered and truly life-giving. This gift, this grace, that St. Paul reminds us is beyond our understanding, is grounded in love and has a twin sister known as joy. These words of St. Paul should be etched on our hearts: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7).

But that farewell gift of peace is illusive. Soon after the resurrection, the Christian community is at it. Dissension and debates arose, we are told in the Acts of the Apostles, over Mosaic practices. We can sense behind the presenting problems, various political rumblings and power plays. The human condition is constantly frustrating the peace that Jesus left us. Our hearts are disturbed and minds confused over all kinds of regulations that are laid upon us.

Jesus instructs us in the Gospel not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. Yet, as we experience the world with all its problems and violence, we are often distressed and fearful of what might happen to us and our loved ones. It is difficult to be at peace in an environment that is chaotic and sinful. In all of this our task is clear: keep his word, be as loving as possible, do what is right and life-giving. Then we will know peace, even only piecemeal.

The source of peace is love. In fact, peace and joy are by-products of that love that brings about a union with God and unity among us. So, not only is peace possible, but we are invited to rejoice in God's presence. One of the most important beliefs we have is that of God's indwelling within us. Jesus tells us that he and his Father will come and dwell within us if we abide by his commandments. This indwelling, this presence of Love deep within our souls, is the source and fountain of peace and joy.

In the account from Revelation we are given a description of the holy city Jerusalem, indeed, the city of God. This city is filled with splendor and radiance; this city has no temple other than God himself and the Lamb. It is the Lamb, the risen Jesus, who gives light and life. We have no need for the sun or moon. This city is filled with glory, a glory that is experienced as peace and joy. This ideal scene draws our attention to life beyond time. We are destined for glory, for the fullness of God's peace and joy offered through our participation in the life of Jesus, the slain Lamb now risen.

The Trappist, Fr. Thomas Keating, says it well: "Peace is the great gift of Jesus on the day of resurrection. The peace that Jesus offers is not sentimental. This peace transcends joy and sorrow, hope and despair."

There are many themes that permeate our Easter season: courage, enthusiasm, hope, faith. But peace is the gift and grace that allows us to rest in the Lord. It is also the grace that we must share with others.

(Bp. Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)