I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.( Jn 14: 30-31a)
God is good!
Today's liturgical readings from John's gospel and Acts are coincidentally each taken from chapter 14; however, it isn't easy to reconcile their contrasting core messages. Jesus told us: "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." But then Paul tells us: "It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God."
It doesn’t come as an easier thing to do trying to make sense of Paul's persecution and near-death experience reported in these verses with the Peace Jesus is giving us today? So, here is how we may look at it: The peace that Jesus gives us accepts and integrates trials and tribulations with the goodness within us because the Holy Spirit generates it in us; therefore, it comes along with strength to endure all things.
Such peace helps us to endure hardships, burdens, tribulations, pain, illness, even go through pandemics without feeling defeated and overcome; with this peace, we face each day as the day the Lord has made to rejoice and be glad in it using our life experiences. So, make it your goal to face life each day with strength and hope the Holy Spirit generates within us.
I relish Pope Francis's comments that the peace of Christ produces in us a sense of humor so that we can laugh at ourselves and others even when facing persecution. It seems that's what Paul did too in that unusual ability to strengthen others with the words: "It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God."
Prayer blessings: Father, grant us the grace and courage to go through life accepting joy and happiness, burdens and difficulties, and never lose hope. Amen.