Jesus said to his disciples:
“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.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.“

John 14: 27-29

Here are the complete readings for Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

(“St. Paul” Fresco in Catacomb of St. Thekla, Rome)

We have reflected in this space about the meanings of peace for ourselves and our souls in addition to peace in our communities and world. The idea of metanoia or conversion means we do not just change our actions and priorities. We rethink our entire concept of what brings us to peace and to joy. This type of conversion may come at once or in bursts, such as the blic that we have referenced before. Yet this state of being comes with a commitment to an awareness of the present tense, and of the presence of God in the most ordinary actions and interactions. A commitment to being aware takes practice, and it is important that we not judge whether our awareness at being aware was a success. If we can simply accept our efforts as we are in this present reality, then we are on the way to finding peace, which does not need to be found.

At times you will discover
that God’s ways are not your ways,
and God’s thoughts are not your thoughts.
When this happens,
try to surrender yourself trustingly
into the arms of your Parent God,
who knows you,
understands you,
and loves you.– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, you show us that we have everything we need already. That in itself is a great joy and blessing. When we feel anxious or afraid, remind us that our most authentic self exists to be happy. Thank you for the ordinary miracles and unlikely saints who share with us the gift of your presence. Amen