In the gospel reading of today, Jesus continues his farewell speech to his disciples. We could feel the tone of the speech. It is one enveloped by love. The disciples would miss his physical absence. Like a loving father departing from his children, he understands this so well. He knows they would miss him. He knows they are people of feeble faith. He knows it will be difficult for them to understand the reality of where he is going and what going to that place means for them. Hence, their hearts would be troubled. Jesus the loving Savior speaks calmness into their souls and says “peace be with you, let not your hearts be troubled.”
It is no gainsaying that a troubled heart is a conquered heart. The moment we allow fear to grip us and we become troubled, it is often difficult to express an attitude of faith. We cannot raise our heads up as confident people. By this, we would be overcome by the anxieties that laden human existence.
Today, my dear friends, Jesus tells us the same thing. Do not let your hearts be troubled. In essence, he tells us “do not let your hearts be conquered.” He understands our experiences so well. He does not just tell us what we should not allow, he also gives and assures us that remedy in the midst of troubles. He said “Peace be with you.”
Jesus is the King of peace. The peace he gives is not as the world gives. Amidst our troubles and challenges, let us cling to him. His peace is true peace and we can trust him for that. When his peace comes, our troubles disappear. We enjoy tranquility that often beats human imagination. Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus understands.
Peace be with you.
