"Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb." Oh. My. I didn't really notice that one with the new translation for a while. Every time I hear it now, my heart just leaps. He called me here? Me?!
I thought about this today during my re-read of Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Phillipe.
Peace I leave with you, My own peace I give to you... John 14:27
Father says,
"When the Lord affirms that He gives us peace, that He gives us His peace, these words are divine words, words which have the same creative force as the words that brought the sky and the earth from the void, they carry the same weight as the words that quieted the storm, the words that healed the sick and brought the dead back to life."I'm so accustomed to hearing "Peace I leave with you, My own peace I give to you" and thinking, "Here comes the kiss of peace. Ack! I don't really feel like contracting the flu," or, "face the people who have been getting their hair pulled by my baby" (I know, I need to work on being more charitable...sigh).
This small paragraph in a tiny book reminded me that I'm not in charge. It seems to be the theme of my life (and the theme of my blog...sorry about that). This time, though, it's a relief! Jesus offers His peace to me, to all of us, just as he offered healing to the sick, life to the dead, and calm in a storm.
Have you ever seen that movie Matilda (based on Roald Dahl's book)? My kids often quote the scene between Matilda and her father, "I'm big, you're little; I'm right, you're wrong, and there's nothing you can do about it."
Now, Harry Wormwood is not a kind and loving father like we have. But, I had to giggle when I was contemplating letting go of control, trusting God's will, and accepting His peace. He's big. I'm little. He's right, and I'm (sometimes) wrong. And there is nothing I can do about it!
His own peace He gives to us. It's not a pie-in-the-sky idea. It's a gift.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I find myself struggling sometimes to just reach out and take it. (I guess I had better finish the book, so that I can remember how!)
(And I'm thinking maybe I should share a copy of this book too?? Hmmmm...I'm a little blogger, but maybe a giveaway is in order....we shall see.)
Lovely reflection, Andrea, thanks for sharing. I read Searching for and Maintaining Peace every spring. So many anxieties and unknows during the spring semester! Although this year I started early, back in the fall with my disciple. I need the reminder to let go and let God so often!
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