“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
John 14:27
Here we are, celebrating the fifth week of Easter. Today’s Gospel takes us back to the Last Supper where Jesus, anticipating his own death, gives his disciples the great gift of peace. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” We remember he affirmed that gift when he met them after his resurrection. “Peace be with you.” Today, we need the same peace that Jesus continues to give. But how do we get this peace that the world cannot give? We cannot buy it. Jesus gives it to us as GIFT. Like any gift, we can accept it or not. I remember times when I was blessed with this gift of peace. I discovered that it goes deeper than a good feeling. It strengthens trust in Jesus and the desire to do God’s will as Jesus did. It involves an openness to and an acceptance of God’s will. It banishes fear. It gives me confidence that Jesus is indeed with me as he promised. I used to wonder which came first, my good actions or Jesus gift of love and peace. I know for sure that God’s love is ALWAYS first. Peace.
Where in my life today, do I most need Jesus’ gift of peace?
Risen Jesus, Help me open my heart to receive the gift of your peace this day.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Sister Dolores Wehle SNJM
Did you know...
Sister Dolores Wehle SNJM was born and raised in Tampa, FL. After Graduation from Sacred Heart Academy she entered the Sisters of the Holy Names in Rome, NY. Over the years she ministered as teacher, principal, DRE and Director of Faith Formation in parishes and schools in Key West, OpaLocka, Altamonte Springs, Pinellas Park, St Petersburg, Tampa and Port Charlotte. She also served on her SNJM Community Leadership team on both the Provincial and Congregational levels. Now “retired” Sister lives at Concordia Village of Tampa and participates in volunteer ministries especially with the Chapel and within her SNJM community.
Sister Dolores enjoys cooking, especially making desserts, trying new recipes and sharing the results with others. She also enjoys needlework and making something with it to welcome a new life, or to celebrate another of life’s events.
