24 May
Tue
5th Week of Easter
Acts 14:19-28
Ps. 144(145):10-11,12-13,21
Jn. 14:27-31
(Ps Wk I)
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Saint John is an evangelist; but at the same time he is a teacher like Jesus, so he presents Jesus' words as he understood and appreciated them. Thus he draws out their true meaning for us.

"Peace I leave to you, peace which is mine, I give to you." This translation tries to follow more closely the way in which John presents Jesus' words. He begins off with the word "peace" and then seems to clarify the kind of "peace" Jesus meant, "peace which is mine". By starting off with the word "peace", John sets all the following teaching within a definite context. Jesus further on encourages his disciples not to be distressed or fearful, thus indirectly hinting that they may indeed go through such experiences. Such teaching, however, must not override the main theme: the gift of peace, and so such experiences, will not negate: the gift of peace. By adding the words "peace which is mine", Jesus is speaking about a divine gift, which belongs especially to him and which only he can give.

If truly accepted and assimilated, and prayed for, this divine gift of peace will ultimately be effective on every level of our human experience: psychological, spiritual, emotional, interpersonal.



Lord Jesus, teach us to appreciate Your gift of peace and to assimilate it in every experience.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That those working in communication media may respect the truth, solidarity, and dignity of all people.
Elaboration

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