Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
John 14:27–28
Jesus speaks these words to His disciples as He prepared for His crucifixion. They were meant as works of comfort and assurance that God is always with us.
We greet our fellow parishioners on Sunday morning with the words, “The peace of the Lord be with you,” “God’s peace,” or simply “peace.” What do we mean? Are we simply repeating the words that our liturgy suggests? Are we offering words of calm and strength? Can our neighbor see in our face the serenity of knowing God is with us and our hearts and not troubled?
Or are we just following a ritual, hurrying to get on with the service, anxious about the rest of the day’s activities, worried about work or family issues?
When you reach for your neighbor’s hand during the next service, think about it. Are you offering him or her peace from within your own serenity? Are you sincere in friendship? What does your fellow parishioner see in you? God’s peace or ???
Lorraine Taylor
