Read St. John 14:1–3, 27–31
1. Our Lord’s farewell to His apostles begins and ends with words of encouragement. He knew the importance of courage and confidence, and that without these they would never do great things for God. He knew, too, how liable all men are to be discouraged and cast down when troubles and trials arise; how hard it is to struggle on when all seems dark around. To us as well as to the twelve He says: “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God; believe also in Me.” Why do not we believe more in Christ, trust Him more, appeal more to Him in times of darkness? He will always have a word of comfort for us. “Let not your heart be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you.”
2. Amid all the troubles that Our Lord foretells to His apostles, He promises them one gift that will enable them to rise above all their difficulties and all their sorrows. He promises to leave with them peace. What gift in the world is there which is like this? If we are at peace, we can bid defiance to all our foes; if we are not at peace, we might be lords of the universe, yet we should be miserable. No wonder we pray in holy Mass, Dona nobis pacem—Give us peace.
3. The peace Our Lord promises is His peace: “My peace I give unto you.” What sort of peace is this? It is the peace He enjoyed all through His life—the peace of perfect union of His will with God’s. If we are thus united to God by perfect resignation, we too shall have unalterable and eternal peace.
Source: Clarke, R. F. (1889). The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ: Short Meditations for Every Day in Lent (p. 14). Benziger Brothers.
Note for Non-Catholics: Mass is Church Service. The writer is Catholic and therefore uses the term Mass and Latin words used during the course of Mass.
1. Our Lord’s farewell to His apostles begins and ends with words of encouragement. He knew the importance of courage and confidence, and that without these they would never do great things for God. He knew, too, how liable all men are to be discouraged and cast down when troubles and trials arise; how hard it is to struggle on when all seems dark around. To us as well as to the twelve He says: “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God; believe also in Me.” Why do not we believe more in Christ, trust Him more, appeal more to Him in times of darkness? He will always have a word of comfort for us. “Let not your heart be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you.”
2. Amid all the troubles that Our Lord foretells to His apostles, He promises them one gift that will enable them to rise above all their difficulties and all their sorrows. He promises to leave with them peace. What gift in the world is there which is like this? If we are at peace, we can bid defiance to all our foes; if we are not at peace, we might be lords of the universe, yet we should be miserable. No wonder we pray in holy Mass, Dona nobis pacem—Give us peace.
3. The peace Our Lord promises is His peace: “My peace I give unto you.” What sort of peace is this? It is the peace He enjoyed all through His life—the peace of perfect union of His will with God’s. If we are thus united to God by perfect resignation, we too shall have unalterable and eternal peace.
Source: Clarke, R. F. (1889). The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ: Short Meditations for Every Day in Lent (p. 14). Benziger Brothers.
Note for Non-Catholics: Mass is Church Service. The writer is Catholic and therefore uses the term Mass and Latin words used during the course of Mass.
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