We hear this said at every Sunday Mass, unless. of course, we don’t go to Sunday Mass. Have you ever wondered what this actually means, what we are being asked to do?

This is actually a line from the Gospel of John, John 14:27.

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27 (NABRE)

When we think of peace we usually think of the end of hostilities between feuding nations, businesses or even families. But this is not the peace Jesus is talking about. He is talking about inner peace, the one we find when we come to realize that we are children of God. We were created in God’s image and likeness and He invites Him to return to him and be happy for all eternity.

When this peace enters us, we realize we can handle whatever struggles life will send our way. This is the peace Jesus wants to leave with us. This is the peace Jesus wants to give us and for us to give to those around us. When we share the Message of Jesus with others, we hope we fill them with this peace.

I have tried to explain to others exactly what this inner peace feels like, but I haven’t found the right words to do so. Maybe I can give an example of it through something that happened this week. As I mentioned almost a year ago my daughter hasn’t spoken to me since I filed for my annulment. She hasn’t given me a chance to explain my position or ask me any questions. And that’s okay.

I have been praying about this for some time (I will discuss the subject of praying at another time especially since I have had a revelation concerning prayer). I knew inside of me it would get resolved. Through the inner peace I now have, I knew Jesus would help us work this out. This week, totally out of the blues my daughter sent me a text inviting me to see her. Will this mean we will reconcile and everything will be great? I don’t honestly know, but because of the peace I have, I know God’s will, will be done.

Knowing that God is in control makes a big difference in our lives, at least if we let it. I know it has worked for me.