By Fr. Kurt Zion
Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.”
What is the difference between the peace that the world gives and the peace that Jesus gives us? According to Pope Francis, “True peace comes from Jesus and is sometimes wrapped in the Cross while the other false peace that only makes you ‘kind of happy’ comes from the devil. The devil always destroys. He tells us this is the way and then leaves us alone.”
We often seek peace like happiness in things, objects, jobs and even in other people. We think by accumulating things, securing a high level job and having more power that we will gain peace and happiness. But all these will never bring us true peace unless we turn to peace Himself who is Christ Jesus.
A sign of peace, the consequence of peace is Joy – the joy only Jesus can give. The challenge is to find the peace of Jesus.
Pope Francis addressed some young people recently. He said, “Happiness has no price.” Like happiness, I believe peace has also no price. Pope Francis added, “It cannot be bought; it is not an app that you can download on your phones nor the latest update bring you freedom and grandeur in love.”
Instead download Christ Jesus into your life. Update yourself daily. Pray, read the Bible, receive the Holy Eucharist and practice works of mercy.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.