SIXTH
SUNDAY OF EASTER
(Acts
15:1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29)
Worldly
peace and the peace of Christ have been differentiated throughout the
centuries. We have heard how worldly peace is superficial, how it does not last
long, and how it can be shaken by conflicts and setbacks. In contrast, the
peace of Christ reaches the heart, brings confidence, and is not easily lost.
If worldly
peace were so fragile, who would not choose the peace of Christ? However, we
know that worldly peace also brings benefits. The cessation of heated arguments
gives adversaries time to reconsider their goals. A safe and comfortable place
also relieves the tensions that drain an individual's energy and good humor. Worldly
peace sometimes accompanies a genuine commitment to coexistence, if not mutual
respect.
We could
offer the cell phone as a symbol of worldly peace. Many people today have
become attached to their cell phones so that they don't go anywhere without
them. It provides them with the security of having what they feel is necessary
to avoid anxiety and maintain equanimity. When they feel alone, it puts them in
touch with their friends. When they are lost, it guides them to their
destination. And when they are unsure about a fact or a process, it provides
information in seconds. And these are just a few examples of the advantages of
having a cell phone.
However,
there are limits to the cell phone. It brings a sense of peace until it is
lost, misplaced, the battery runs out, or there are problems with the internet
provider. When setbacks like these occur, peace quickly gives way to anxiety.
This is not a reason to abort the cell phone, but to seek something deeper that
stabilizes peace.
In the
Gospel, Jesus offers friendship with himself to support the conditional peace
of the cell phone and the other sources of peace. He embraces this peace so
that we can face any challenge with confidence. The peace of Christ is knowing,
like a child in her father's arms, that everything will turn out well. It is
the assurance that, whatever may come, even death, Christ will deliver us from
the evil we experience.
The Hebrew
language has the word shalom to express the peace of Christ. More than a
cessation of hostilities, shalom means prosperity, fulfillment, and
harmony even in war. Shalom is the assurance that, through the superior
resources we have, we will overcome all challenges. Whether it be illness,
enemies, or other adversity, we will not lose but will prevail in the end.
Christ
shows us how we can access his peace. By keeping his commandments, especially
the commandment to love one another, he will come with the Father to dwell
within us. It's like having the chief of police in the house when we receive a
security threat. As Saint Paul writes to Timothy: “If we died with him, we will
live with him; if we endure, we will reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:11b-12a).
We don't
have to choose between the peace of the world and the peace of Christ. In fact,
we need both. Cell phones are very useful, but they can't provide us with the
courage to face the loss of resources, much less death. When we are fighting
against evil, we want the shalom of Christ. It gives us the strength to
overcome every threat of evil.
