Peace of Christ: Gift given by the Holy Spirit

	Word to Life  Jeff Hensley

When I came into the church 33 years ago, my pastor, whether in the pulpit or in the church library where he presented the faith to inquirers like me, gave insight into Catholicism with firmness and gentleness and good humor.

He welcomed me and the rest of the inquiry class with open arms. Like the apostles in the Acts reading for today who refused to set impossibly high standards for new converts who sought to follow Christ, my pastor outlined the teachings of the church with clarity and kindness.

John's Gospel seems to map the same territory, showing us that the hand of God on his people demonstrates this same loving contrast. With great promise Jesus says, "Anyone who loves me will be true to my word and my Father will love him; we will come to him and make our dwelling place with him."

Sixth Sunday of Easter (Sunday, May 13, 2007) Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8 Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23 John 14:23-29

But there is a definitively firm limit to this offer of God's indwelling with us in the words immediately following: "He who does not love me does not keep my words."

A little further on, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to instruct us and to give us peace. We should pay particular attention to what Jesus tells us here. The disciples' feet have been washed; Judas has departed to carry out his betrayal; Peter's denial has been predicted. We stand poised on the brink, and Jesus delivers his final instructions to those who will build his church.

"Peace is my farewell to you," he tells them and us, "my peace is my gift to you. I do not give it to you as the world gives peace. Do not be distressed or fearful." Then he tells them he will go to the Father, giving them the one key insight that will help them see that his crucifixion will lead onward in God's plan to his resurrection and his continuing presence with both them and us.

	Reflection questions • Where have you found peace in your own walk with God? • Could prayer, Scripture study, or reconciliation with someone help you recapture that peace?

When I came into the church three decades ago, gradually moving out of years of doubt as a young adult, coming into the light of Christ through my involvement in both the charismatic renewal and the institutional church, I found that the sense of loneliness that had haunted me for years left me. I'm sure that came as a result of entering into communion with those who had inherited Jesus' promise of peace.

This column is offered in cooperation with the North Texas Catholic of Fort Worth, Texas.