Measuring the New Jerusalem - Beatus de Facundus
Today’s Gospel is taken from Jesus’ discourse at the Last Supper and is dominated by his coming departure. The final gift that Jesus leaves for his disciples is the gift of peace ‘a peace that the world cannot give.’ Sometimes we mistake this peace for our idea of quietness or tranquillity, but the peace the Jesus gives is a peace that can be found even in the midst of turmoil, as Jesus illustrated in the days following this discourse at the Last Supper.
Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace found frequently in the bible. Our English word ‘peace’ doesn’t adequately capture all that Shalom means. Shalom conveys a sense of completeness, an idea that nothing is lacking, Shalom is perfect wellbeing – perfect communion with God. This deep peace is a peace that we all desire, a peace that prevails even in times of stress and tension. How do we obtain this peace? Not by ordering our lives better, having a great diary system, looking after ourselves, or going for a massage. In the Gospel today Jesus tells us that this peace comes from God alone, it is God’s gift to us. If we are in relationship with God, if we are in union with God, then we will be blessed with the gift of peace, and as Jesus was able to offer this gift of peace to others because he possessed it, so also can we extend this gift to those around us, if we first receive this gift from God.
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