“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”.   John 14 : 27

Reading for this week : John 14 : 23 - 29

Thought for the week

Do you remember telephones in the old days – how sometimes you would pick up the receiver and there would be a conversation on the line. It was always a challenge to put the phone down and not listen for a few moments!

In our Gospel reading Jesus is speaking to His disciples. Assuring them, comforting them, and preparing them for when He is no longer physically with them, but sending the Holy Spirit.

It is humbling and moving to hear such words from Jesus of such compassion and hope amidst all the disciples will need to endure through their faith in Jesus.

Words spoken for Jesus’ friends, except that we are meant to be part. We are included. They are words meant for us as well.

In these words Jesus gives us the most wonderful promise. ‘Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you’. In some ways this sums up the whole of Jesus’ ministry to us. He has won peace for us through the Cross, peace with God through forgiveness of our sins, peace with others, and peace within ourselves.

Each day is a gift, because the love of Jesus for us is the greatest gift.

Rev Paul

A Prayer for this week

Risen Christ,

by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:

help your Church to obey your command,

and draw the nations to the fire of your love,

to the glory of God the Father. Amen