“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.”
I sometimes find myself measuring peace by how in-control things feel, when the calendar lines up, the baby sleeps, the workday flows, and nothing unexpected rocks the boat. But that’s not the kind of peace Jesus offers us in today’s Gospel.
To me, Jesus speaks of a peace that isn’t earned or scheduled. It’s not dependent on circumstances or control but a peace that comes from presence from dwelling with God and letting His Word take root in us.
Since becoming a dad, I’ve learned how easily fear and worry try to take over (and often, does): Am I doing enough? Am I present enough? Am I leading well? But Jesus reminds us here: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Peace isn’t found in perfect performance, it’s found in trusting that we are not alone. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is with us, teaching, guiding, and reminding us of what truly matters. We are not left to figure it all out on our own.
Maybe today is just a reminder that we don’t have to carry everything. We are loved, we are held, and His peace is real, even in the middle of the chaos of daily life.
So wherever this week takes you…whether you’re rocking a newborn, navigating a new opportunity or role, or simply trying to hold it all together…may His peace meet you right there.