Canter Bridge

Peace is elusive.

I used to imagine that most people lived peaceful, satisfied lives and that a minority of turbulent outliers were the exception that proved the rule.

Now I know hardly anyone who lives peacefully, who moves and speaks from a tranquil soul. Least of all do I.

Perhaps that’s why Jesus’ promise of peace comes to me this morning as rebuke and promise:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

It’s been a long time since I could acknowledge a peace at the core that belies the world’s frenzy. I can remember it as one remembers a dream upon waking, more or less wondering whether it was real.

Curiously, Jesus statement of the peace that is intertwines itself with an exhortation. He gives peace, so the claim goes, so do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. One might have thought of this peace as a mere given. Not so, it appears. It sets the table for a determined move against anxiety.

So be it. This sounds like invigorating good news.