Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me receive your Peace in my heart, mind, soul and strength…

John 14:27-31
In our world, there is so much that can cause tension, if not conflict, between family members, friends, neighbours, co-workers and communities at all levels.  And even the smallest shift in our plans due to others’ whims or even a change of weather can disturb our peace. Toxic ‘what if..’, and ‘shoulda, woulda, coulda’ thinking so easily and so quickly commandeers our minds into fight, flight, or freeze mode, and keeps our sights lowered. Then our vision of holy Light, Life and Love dark becomes clouded with fear and worry, soaked with grief and dodging the lightening bolts of frustration or even rage. [I] try my best to plan and project [my] idea of tranquility into my days and ways, but even good habits and habitual ‘self care’ cannot in fill [my] soul with peace.  Into these (thunder) storms of life, Jesus comes to us, walking over the waves and holding out his hand. “Peace I leave with you: my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid…” Troubles and fears have a way of filling up our hearts, minds, souls and strength, rendering us powerless to Live and to Love.  The Peace of Christ also has a way of filling up [my] being that, through the power of forgiveness and of holy joy, allows [me] to Live and to Love, no matter the changes and chances – or people – I encounter on my journey. It was this Peace of Christ, fueled by holy forgiveness, that allowed the Son of Man who was the Son of God, to deal with the clambering crowds, walk the Way of the Cross, die on a Roman cross, ( Praying, Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing!), stay connected despite abject abandonment … and rise again to finish his ministry of Mercy on Earth.  Will I engage and entertain, and fill up, my time and energy, with the troubles and fears that assail my life?  Or will I look into the face of Christ Jesus and soak in His Peace, that extraordinary Peace that the world cannot give. Will I let the Peace of Christ, brokered by the release of forgiveness, fill up my being so that I can continue along my journey of Light, of Life, and of Love, following the One who knows the way? Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me receive your Peace in my heart, mind, soul and strength.
  
The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:17,18 )
 
Death and life fought bitterly
For this wondrous victory;
The Lord of life who died reigns glorified!
Sequence for the Gospel Reading on Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord
 
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A Blessed Easter Season to you! 15 days to Pentecost
Let this be our song: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia