John 14:27-31a Swim In Peace

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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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.”

A couple of days ago, Pope Francis confirmed forty-four people, including two teens from Ridgewood, N.J. 

The Catholic News Service reported that both teens were chosen from a pastor who pulled their names from a hard hat.  For the teens, it was like a dream come true.

Fourteen-year-old Brigid Miniter, from Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish, said she was fine “until I got to the step right before I was anointed.”  Seventeen-year-old Anthony Merejo said he was relaxed at the Mass until he realized “I’m going to be face-to-face with Pope Francis.

Long before Brigid was picked to go to Rome, she had chosen St. Francis of Assisi as her confirmation saint.  “I love animals,” she added, “and he’s the patron saint of animals, so it was a no-brainer.”

Anthony wanted to pick a name that would sound good in English and in Spanish.  After searching for some time, he found the name Ignatius (Ignacio), the founder of the Jesuits.

Now the two were slightly disappointed when they learned that Pope Benedict had resigned. “Who would be the next Pope?” they wondered.  “Where would he come from?”  “What name would he choose?” 

Well, Divine Providence has a remarkable way of taking us by surprise.  It also has a wonderful way of confirming us in our faith.  I’m sure Brigid never imagined that the next Pope would be the first to take the papal name “Francis.”  I’m also sure that Anthony never dreamed the next Pope would be the first Jesuit ever and the first Latin American as well. 

Brigid and Anthony may have been a little nervous, after all, they were the only two Americans confirmed by Pope Francis.  But these coincidences brought great peace on the road to Rome and in their journey of faith.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you”  There is a peace we all desire that no one can really give; and that is, the peace of knowing that I lived a “worthy” life. 

So many parents and teachers sacrifice their life (time, talents and resources) for their children only to later see them turn a blind eye on all their efforts.  “Was it worth it?”  “Did I waste my time, my life?” Did it amount to anything?  Christ’s answer:  “Peace be with you.” 

Should I stay or should I go?  I’m positive the Apostles were debating among themselves whether or not they should stay or go.  After all, was the Lord a success or an abysmal failure?  By human accounts, he was a failure.  But what appears to be small in the eyes of men appears to be great in the eyes of God.  What appears to be human wisdom is foolishness to God.  “Did he win or did he lose?”  How foolish! To know that, one must know a person’s heart.   “But who cares if the messenger has a great message if the messenger is soundly beaten?”

The Lord spent three years on the road preaching, teaching and healing.  He did not travel around the world because He couldn’t but because He didn’t want to.  Like the chosen people, the Apostles would have to personally deliver His message to others.  And like them, endure what He endured, even the worst.

That was a good move by Christ. "You gotta live what you preach."

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”  We can take great comfort in knowing that when we preach the Gospel (and live it too) we are always living a most worthy life. 

Someone recently commented that you can be a good Christian and a bad person too.  An anonymous commentator responded:  Really?  Who?  Who lived like Christ and was a bad person?

I'm interested in knowing as well.

At the Confirmation ceremony in Rome, Pope Francis told the young people there to “swim against the tide.  It’s good for the heart.”  It's also good for the world.