We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.”
(Luke 12:37)
Ready for Peace
Today’s readings remind us that, in the midst of life’s busyness and difficulties, God greatly desires to give us His peace. In fact, we see in Ephesians that Christ Himself has become peace for those who were “without hope and without God in the world.”
I was incredibly anxious before finding faith, but since committing my life to Christ when I was seventeen, peace has been one of the greatest gifts I’ve received from my walk with God. I first experienced this deep-down peace through an encounter with God in the Scriptures. As I started seeking for God and desiring for Him to come to me, I had begun a habit of opening the Bible and asking the Holy Spirit to be present.
I was incredibly anxious before finding faith, but since committing my life to Christ when I was seventeen, peace has been one of the greatest gifts I’ve received from my walk with God. I first experienced this deep-down peace through an encounter with God in the Scriptures. As I started seeking for God and desiring for Him to come to me, I had begun a habit of opening the Bible and asking the Holy Spirit to be present.
After doing this many times, God showed up (or I finally became truly aware of His presence), and my life has never been the same. As in today’s Gospel reading, Jesus “blessed” me with the gift of peace when he found me waiting for Him. I’ve noticed that in the secular workplace, my peace was often the main thing that would spark a coworker’s curiosity about my faith. Peace is attractive because it is one of the greatest needs in our anxious world.
Jesus wants to break in to give us this peace, but we need to allow Him enough space. Are we even aware of the many visits of God that we miss due to our distractions? The King of Peace is passing by ready to arrive at our door. We must be vigilant so as not to miss it. And should we be waiting and ready for Him, He will have us recline at peace and give us a cup that overflows.
What are the moments today where you can eagerly await the arrival of the King of Peace?
Lord, you tell us in Holy Scripture: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you...Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Lord, give us this peace, and steady our hearts. Amen.
Jesus wants to break in to give us this peace, but we need to allow Him enough space. Are we even aware of the many visits of God that we miss due to our distractions? The King of Peace is passing by ready to arrive at our door. We must be vigilant so as not to miss it. And should we be waiting and ready for Him, He will have us recline at peace and give us a cup that overflows.
What are the moments today where you can eagerly await the arrival of the King of Peace?
Lord, you tell us in Holy Scripture: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you...Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Lord, give us this peace, and steady our hearts. Amen.
Reflection by:
Joseph Nieves-Serrano is the Director of Faith Formation at St Timothy in Lutz, FL. Previously, he served as an Air Force officer and earned his MA in Theology from Christendom’s Graduate School of Theology. Joseph is married and has four children. He loves to read, travel and enjoy some downtime in his hammock.