Peace Be With You

This past Pentecost Sunday our priest gave a wonderful sermon that was simple but not easy. I'll explain in further detail.

We all know the story. Fr. Faithful spoke of the Apostles in the upper room waiting for the individual who was to lead them now that Jesus had gone to prepare them a place in Heaven. After all, Christ himself told them he would not leave them orphans. The Apostles expected the being who was to guide them to be another individual like Jesus. They weren't completely off track. The Holy Spirit that was breathed on them is in fact Christ as well as the Heavenly Father, just not the way they originally pictured. With a new found zeal for God and the gift of tongues they were now to be Christ to the world.

What we may not realize is that the time spent before Christ bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit onto the Apostles, the fifty days after Easter must have been filled with prayer upon prayer. These wise men were now left without there leader. They must have been praying for Christ's coming, (much as we do today). Their prayers must have been filled with heartfelt worry. "Have mercy on us, Free us from this misfortune, Save us Lord, etc.". What was Christ's response? He granted them peace, His Peace. He did this through the Holy Spirit.

This lead me to an 'Aha' moment. As difficult as it may be in the moment; during our times of trouble and suffering, during times of temptation, rather than praying for a particular outcome, should we not be praying for peace? Peace in our lives, in the lives of all those who are suffering. Should we not be praying that God's Will be done in our lives, not only in that moment of trial but always? This is simple, but not easily done. However, regardless of its difficulty, should it not be the goal in our prayers?

Know this, I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach. It looks like I have some work to do.

Blessings,
Michael