"My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you."

"A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel,

a teacher of the law, respected by all the people,

stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time,

and said to the Sanhedrin, 'Fellow children of Israel,

be careful what you are about to do to these men.

Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important,

and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed,

and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing.

After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census.

He also drew people after him, but he too perished 

and all who were loyal to him were scattered.

So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. 

For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.

But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them;

you may even find yourselves fighting against God.'

They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged,

ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus,

and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, 

rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.

And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes,

they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus."

(Acts 5:34-42)

First, I should note - the above passage from Acts is not from today's readings at Mass - it was actually read a few weeks ago, shortly after Easter. However, it ties in well with today's reading from Acts, and besides that, it really speaks for itself. 


The words of Gamaliel to the Sanhedrin: "For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God." 


This is wisdom that speaks to the truth of Christianity, the truth of the Church - against which the gates of hell shall never prevail. It's true - no empire and no ruler that has persecuted and tried to destroy the Church has succeeded - indeed, quite the opposite - the Church has become stronger, while empires and rulers have fallen. There are many in the world today who would do well to remember that... not that I'd be suggesting any names... ... 


And then: "After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus."


Rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. When was the last time any of us rejoiced when persecuted for our belief in Jesus? 


The apostles, and the early Church, certainly understood well that they would suffer many things for their belief in Christ. Not only did they understand it, they accepted it... and it was part of their preaching of the Gospel - as we read in today's first reading from Acts (the complete reading is Acts 14:19-28), Paul and Barnabas exhort the disciples "to persevere in the faith, saying, 'It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.'"


When most of us think of persecution, when we think of suffering hardship for Christ, we probably don't think about being at peace. Right? Yet, in the Gospel that followed today's first reading, what does Jesus say to the apostles?


"My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." (Jn 14:27)


Jesus gives us peace - peace to help us walk without fear, and with courage, even in the midst of suffering and persecution. The example of this gift of peace received and put into action shines in saints like St. Maximilian Kolbe, who led other prisoners in prayer and consoled them, before offering his life to save another prisoner in Auschwitz. Most - if not all - of us reading this will probably never be called upon to give up our lives for faith in Christ - but all of us will at some point probably be ridiculed for our faith. In those times, hopefully we will recall the words of Jesus in the Gospel today, and be at peace - also remembering that we believe in a God who will not fail us - who has already conquered all his  - and our - enemies.


+indeed, peace... and all good.