When the risen Jesus met the women leaving the tomb, He gave the customary Jewish greeting, "Shalom" (Peace) (Mt 28:9). When the risen Jesus met the apostles on the first Resurrection evening, He again said "Shalom" (Peace) (Jn 20:19, 21). Likewise, Jesus wants to give us peace for an Easter present.
Jesus left us peace in His last will and testament. He promised: " ‘Peace' is My farewell to you, My peace is My gift to you; I do not give it to you as the world gives peace" (Jn 14:27). His peace is not based on circumstances. His peace can be present even at the funeral home or hospital, in divorce or rejection, and in painful suffering. Jesus wants us to be "at peace before Him no matter what our consciences may charge us with" (1 Jn 3:19-20). Even if we still feel guilty after confessing our sins because of a scrupulous conscience, Jesus will give us a peace we never dreamed possible, a peace "beyond all understanding" (Phil 4:7).
Jesus is our Peace (Eph 2:14). When we surrender to Him by doing His will instead of ours (see Mt 26:39), we make peace. When we surrender in the "battle of wills" between the Lord's will and ours, we win peace. Win peace, make peace, surrender to Jesus Who is our Peace.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I be a peacemaker (see Mt 5:9) by denying myself and obeying You. |
| PROMISE: | "I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who lives in Me and I in him, will produce abundantly, for apart from Me you can do nothing." –Jn 15:5 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, risen Jesus, Victor over death. "All the families of the nations shall bow down before" You (Ps 22:28). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College