How very differently the apostles acted before Jesus’ resurrection than after this great event. In our gospel, Jesus is at the Last Supper with his disciples and he’s preparing them to be his missionary disciples when he is no longer with them. They’re obviously confused and questioning him. He strengthens and encourages them by telling them not to let their hearts be troubled, and comforts them with these words: “Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you.”
Those disciples had no idea what was ahead of them, or what they would be asked to do, or where they would be sent.
Our reading from Acts, then, happens after Jesus has risen. Same Apostles, different responses. Having received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples are now in full missionary motion. We hear about Barnabas and Paul who travelled to many cities, establishing new churches and training new disciples. They were filled with the Spirit, and nothing seemed to stop them, not even being stoned or other sufferings. They were preaching the good news of Jesus and spreading the message of peace he gave them at the Last Supper.
That message of peace is still being proclaimed today. Not even a month ago, Pope Leo held a Prayer Vigil for Peace that was livestreamed from St. Peter’s to the world. His remarks were challenging in these troubling times. Here are three remarks he made:
- “Everyone has a place in the mosaic of peace!”
- “Prayer calls us to leave behind whatever violence remains in our hearts and minds. Let us turn to a Kingdom of peace that is built up day by day — in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and civil and religious communities.”
- “Peace gains ground…word by word, and deed by deed”
In a conversation I had recently with a friend about the power of words, we were reflecting on common phrases we say so unconsciously that have a violent, non-peaceful, overtone. Examples like:
- So and so gets away with murder
- Let’s add bullet points to the PowerPoint
- Shoot me an email
- Go ahead, take a shot at it
- If looks could kill
My friend and I resolved then and there to watch what we say and use other words instead, words that are non-violent. This is one small way we can downplay violence and promote a culture of peace. As Pope Francis said in 2025 to journalists: “Let us disarm words, and we will help disarm the world."
Knowing, too, that praying for peace is important, our parish will host a Prayer Vigil for Peace this Friday night at 6 pm. in chapel. May Christ’s peace be with us, and especially with those who yearn for true peace in our world.
