Introduction

In carrying out his mission of proclaiming the gospel, Paul, and Barnabas with him, is persecuted, stoned, driven from one place to another. He doesn't give up; he continues founding local communities and giving them a basic structure of leadership so that they can function on their own. He has even the courage to "put fresh heart into the disciples" and to acknowledge that God has accomplished great things in them.

Likewise, before his passion and death Christ speaks of peace and encourages the apostles not to be troubled or afraid. Nothing will keep him from carrying out his mission of love. No one can rob us from our interior peace, serenity and freedom if we are united with God in love.

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, almighty Father,
you have absolute power over the world,
and yet you respect the freedom of people,
even of those who persecute your faithful.
Make us realize that our faith
does not protect us against the evil
which people bring upon one another,
but that you want us to build according to your plan
a kingdom of justice, love and peace.
Help our faith to stand the test
when our meager efforts fail.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Acts 14:19-28

In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium
arrived and won over the crowds.
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing that he was dead.
But when the disciples gathered around him,
he got up and entered the city.
On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

After they had proclaimed the good news to that city
and made a considerable number of disciples,
they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples
and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,
"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships
to enter the Kingdom of God."
They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and,
with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord
in whom they had put their faith.
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.
After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the Church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Then they spent no little time with the disciples.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21

R (see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R Alleluia.

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R Alleluia.

Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R Alleluia.

May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,
and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
R Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R Alleluia.

Gospel Reading: Jn 14:27-31

Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace be with you; I give you my peace. Not as the world gives peace do I give it to you. Do not be troubled; do not be afraid. You heard me say: 'I am going away, but I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

"I have told you this now before it takes place, so that when it does happen you may believe. It is very little what I may still tell you, for the prince of this world is at hand, although there is nothing in me that he can claim. But see, the world must know that I love the Father and that I do what the Father has taught me to do. Come now, let us go."

Commentary

Peace is not the mere absence of war. Rather, peace is the state of being in accord with the will of God. When people live together as God intends them to live, they know peace. And when we live our lives according to the light of the Gospel, we know a peace that this world cannot bring.

We pray at every Mass for peace, and we exchange a sign of peace with one another. We do so not to exchange pleasant greetings, but to assure one another of the peace of Jesus Christ that rests within our hearts when we draw near to Him.