Tuesday of Fifth week of Easter

Scripture: Acts 14:19-28. Psalm 145. John 14:27-31. Lectionary # 286

Jesus is continuing his farewell address at the Last Supper. In today's
reading from the Gospel, he is giving us strong words of comfort and
consolation despite the fact he will soon be leaving the intimate circle of
his friends. He says, "My peace I leave you; my peace I give you. Do not
let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid." We all are in
need of such encouragment from the Lord. This helps us to live out our
commitment of faith in Him and to trust in his love for his always. Even
though we may not feel this, Jesus is there for us at every moment we turn
our attention to him. We are not to be fearful in that love; perfect love
such as he gives us, casts out all fear. The Scriptures in the first
reading from Acts show us that this does not mean we will not have
suffering, opposition, and pain. Paul was being stoned for his preaching
and witnessing to Jesus; he was thought to be dead after the incident, but
he gets up and continues his missionary journey with Barnabas. He tells
us, "It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of
God."
With such inspired words and actions on the part of Paul and Barnabas we
are inspired to live out our daily duties and responsibilities with a
positive outlook and joy in doing these things for the Lord. Our lives our
worth living. As the Christopher motto has it, "It is better to light a
candle than to curse the darkness." We learn from today's scriptures to be
in conformity with Jesus and to live through our sufferings of body, soul,
and heart. Jesus has not only left us his Shalom (Peace), but also has
given it to us. We need not be afraid to respond to him and receive that
peace. Amen.