Acts 14:19-28 / Ps. 144:10-13,21 / Jn. 14:27-31a

Sts. Paul and Barnabas continue their mission of proclaiming the word of God and His truth, amidst the trials and challenges that they had to face, and despite the oppositions and hardships that they had to endure. They were stoned and were left almost dead if not for God’s protection and guidance, which still remained with them throughout their journey.

Nevertheless, this never dampened their spirit at all, for they continued to carry on their mission with zeal and commitment, dedicating their time and effort to glorify the Lord and proclaiming His Good News to the people. They laboured hard and long so that by their dedication and hard work, they might make God known to the people.

There is a time when, as disciples, we need to be challenged, but there is also a time when, as disciples, we need to be encouraged. St. Paul and St. Barnabas, put fresh heart into the communities, encouraging them to persevere in the faith.

Friends in Christ, God has called on each and every one of us to follow Him and His commandments. We are all sent out to proclaim His Good News and salvation, to show His love and truth to the whole world, to the people of all nations, just like the Apostles St. Paul and St. Barnabas among others had done.

In the gospel reading this morning, Jesus promises the gift of peace to his followers. He contrasts the peace he gives with the peace the world gives. Jesus’ peace comes to those whose lives are led by the Spirit and shaped by the Spirit. The primary fruit of the Spirit is love. Love and peace are dimensions of the one fruit of the Spirit. When we love with the Lord’s love then we will know his peace and we will become channels of that peace to others.

The peace, which Christ gives, will soothe the hearts and calm the minds. It takes away from our hearts the remorse of past failures and sins and the anxieties of the future. Christ’s gift of peace will embolden us to profess and proclaim His Gospel and it will empower us to withstand the persecutions and afflictions of our enemies.

 Let us all give thanks to our most loving God and endeavour to do better in living our lives as most faithful Christians from now on if we have not done so.