6TH Sunday of Easter Year C: Acts 15:1-2,22-29, Ps 66(67):2-3,5-6,8, Rev 21:10-14,22-23, Jn 14:23-29
“Father, How can I have peace of mind amidst the fears everywhere in Nigeria”, someone asked me. This came as a reaction to the massive protests and vandalism of Churches by throngs of Islamic mob requesting the release of the murderers of Deborah Yakubu, a Christian lady who was lynched for blasphemy in Sokoto, Northern Nigeria on May 12, 2022. In this situation, in a country already menaced by Islamic Terrorists (Boko Haram), the insecurity heightened and fear increased especially among Christians who are usually their targets.
In this period of Easter, with its central message on love, calling us to love even our enemies, it appears suicidal and weak to accept this teaching. But amidst our fears, the Lord calls us to embrace peace. It is ridiculous, isn’t it? How is that possible you ask me? If you wish to know, continue reading slowly…
Cf. John 14:23-29
Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. Child of God, peace is not the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between two adversaries. Peace is the tranquility of order. Today the Lord Jesus calls us to embrace peace, one the world cannot offer, and He gives it to us as gift. By this Jesus recognises two types of peace: worldly/earthly peace and Divine peace.
a. Worldly/earthly peace: is that brought about by social contract which involves balancing of political powers, cooperation, bridging of gaps, and justice. When there’s breach of this contract, there’s crisis. Earthly peace is imperfect, but a reflection or image of Divine peace.
b. Divine Peace: is first of all, a fruit the Holy Spirit forms in us through works of justice and charity. It does not depend on human realities, but on God, through the blood of Jesus Christ that reconciles men with God and makes the church a visible sign of the unity of the human race and of its union with God.
2. Why do you need to embrace peace?
a. It is important you embrace peace because peace builds up. In the absence of peace there can’t be material or spiritual progress.
b. Peace strengthens relationship and enhances cooperation among people.
c. Peace restores reconciliation with our enemies and nurtures the hope of forgiveness, and eradicates violence.
3. Peace drives out every fear
Remember, fear is a tool of manipulation of the devil and his agents. If you afraid you can’t do anything well. Hence the bible tells us 365 times “do not be afraid”, which means we are called each day of the year not to be afraid.
You need Divine peace to drive out all your fears- peace that comes through the Blood of Jesus! Just as the death of Jesus caused fear among his disciples, his resurrection brought peace! When he rose from the dead, his first words were: “peace be with you” (John 20:19). By this Jesus transforms his passion that brought fear into a peace-giving event!
TASK
Today, be an apostle of peace: try to make peace with everyone, act in peace and speak peace among vulnerable people who are experiencing great fear.
I Pray for you
Psalm 46:1-2 says
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed…
And so I declare over you and your household: May the God of Hosts be with you to protect and shield you from the violence of evil men! They will not see you by day or by night!
And may the Lord frustrate the designs of your enemies, and bring their plans to a futile end, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
