Peace the World Cannot Give

“Are you feeling dry, empty and not inspired? Well, do not give up, keep praying and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you”, said Fr. Dom in his homily. In his times of doubt, he has experienced the movement of the spirit and subsequently joy and peace. ” It comes and you will know as you spend quiet time in prayer, seeking earnestly for the spirit to fill your soul”.

This week, Jesus promises us peace, which the world cannot give.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

C.S.Lewis explains that apart from God we cannot have peace. He gives us the following illustration:

“A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other.”

We all want peace in our lives- Fear and anxiety of not knowing can steal our peace. Jesus gives us that hope and assurance beyond what our world can offer. Pope John Paul II tells us that peace comes with faith.

“Peace is not just the absence of war. Like a cathedral, peace must be constructed patiently and with unshakable faith.” Pope John Paul II

As we ride the waves of uncertainty and fear, let us patiently and with unshakeable faith put our trust in Jesus and His promises. Let us invoke the Holy Spirit to fill us with the gift of peace.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control”. In Philippians 4:6-7 we are told, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”