Be At Peace
In John’s gospel, Jesus tells his friends he is leaving them his peace on the very same day he is betrayed and arrested. His crucifixion takes place the following afternoon.
We might be forgiven for thinking his offer of peace is misguided or that he expects too much, given what was about to take place.
© Barbara Carr and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
You may like to listen to Falling Into Presence by Borrtex as you begin a time of reflection.
Read today’s passage from John’s gospel, Chapter 14.
Jesus makes an amazing offer to his friends - his peace, his shalom. He infers there are troubled, fearful times ahead. Little did they know he spoke before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection.
Later in the same narrative, Jesus prays that God would not ‘take them out of the world but … protect them from the evil one’. This peace was not an absence of trouble. It was, rather, a peace that safeguards and promotes wholeness, completeness, harmony and tranquillity during difficult times.
If you find this difficult to grasp, it is not surprising:
“The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give”
Little did we know what lay ahead of us when news of a virus was first broadcast in the media earlier this year. We are about to enter the 8th week of lockdown in its wake.
Some of us have suffered with or are recovering from the virus; many know family and friends currently suffering or who, sadly, have not recovered. We live in challenging, fearful situations with continuing uncertainty of what lies ahead socially, financially, physically.
Spend some time imagining Jesus gazing on you and speaking those same words:
“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind. The peace I give the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Think back over the last few weeks, what has brought you peace - perhaps through significant encounters with God, with others, or with creation? Relive them and thank God for them.
Where are you in most need of peace of mind, of shalom, today?
Speak to Jesus about it as you would a friend. Allow him to speak back to you. Take your time.
You may want to read the second suggested bible reading for today - the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 16 and verses 22-34.
Here, Paul and Silas are in a different kind of lockdown. Their response to cruel, unjust imprisonment reflects the deep, supernatural shalom they were experiencing. Not only were they able to sing God’s praises - they were prepared to stay in what appears a terrible situation for others’ sake.
We offer this ancient blessing of peace from the Old Testament:
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you his peace.
Finally, here are three versions of what has recently become known, via YouTube, as the ‘UK Blessing’. Its words are taken from the Old Testament and are known as the Aaronic or Priestly blessing.
Each version has its own style and each has moved us this week - in some cases, unexpectedly! Please use whatever is helpful:
The ‘famous’ UK Blessing -from multiple church musicians
The UK Blessing from a home
John Rutter’s composition that uses the same inspiration.