Reflection for May 5 Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 14:27-31a

Gospel: John 14:27-31a

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. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

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Reflection:

Do we allow the peace of Jesus to truly reign in our hearts?

There are moments in our lives when we can become cynical, allowing our thoughts to drift toward the negative side of life. At times, we may find ourselves interpreting situations in a pessimistic way, focusing more on what is wrong rather than on God’s quiet presence in every circumstance. Yet as believers, we are reminded that regardless of what unfolds around us, we are called to remain calm and at peace because we have Jesus with us.

Yes, there may be situations that temporarily shake us. There may be trials that disturb our hearts and test our faith. But if we remain rooted in Christ, we will not stay troubled for long. In time, we can return to that deep, steady peace that comes from knowing that we are never alone.

In the Gospel, Jesus lovingly assures His disciples: “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” (John 14:27). These words were spoken at a moment when uncertainty and fear were near, as Jesus was about to face His passion. Yet instead of fear, He offered peace—a peace that is not dependent on circumstances, but rooted in His abiding presence.

In the same way, Jesus speaks to us today. Whatever we may be going through, whatever uncertainties lie ahead, He invites us to trust in Him and to remain calm, for He is still with us. His presence within us is our strength, our refuge, and our peace—a peace that the world can never give and can never take away.

We experience this peace more deeply when we stay connected with Him: through our faithful participation in Holy Mass, our frequent reception of the Body of Christ, our humble return to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our prayerful reading of His Word in the Bible, and our daily, sincere conversation with Him in prayer. In these moments, our hearts are gently formed, renewed, and filled with His divine peace.

So now we ask ourselves: Do we truly carry the peace of Christ within us? Or do we still allow fear, doubt, and negativity to rule our hearts?

When trials come—and they surely will—what will reign within us: the anxiety of the world, or the unshakable peace of Jesus?—Marino J. Dasmarinas