Passage of the Day:
“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe, John 14:25-29.
Reflection:
One of my favorite times in church was known as the passing of God’s peace. This was the only time in the Catholic Mass that you could reach out and greet the people around you. While my mother would hug me and kiss me on the cheek, everyone else shook hands with a grin on their face. When I started attending a Methodist Youth Group in high school, this portion of their service was known as offering the peace of Christ. Handshakes were replaced by hugs, often lasting several seconds. I wasn’t sure how to feel initially, but this too became a memorable experience for me as a young Christian.
Prayerful Action:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God, Matthew 5:9.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:
I played intramural sports in college where some of the contests got extremely heated. After getting kicked out of a basketball game for throwing a punch, my college roommate exclaimed, “if Jesus was here, He would have fought back like I did tonight.” These words completely contradict Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:39. Passing on the peace of Christ means turning the other cheek. This may not be easy, especially for anyone with anger management issues, but letting peace rule in your hearts will conceive fruits of the Holy Spirit. This should be your goal, to seek peace on earth.
Song of the Day:
I was fortunate enough to see Rich Mullins live in concert shortly before his tragic death. Rich possessed an amazing ability to turn a concert into a worship service. May the lyrics of the attached song inspire you to pass on the peace of Christ daily.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 