💖 HOMILY - MAY 20 💖

First Reading - Acts 14:19-28

Gospel - John 14:27-31

The journey of Christian life is not free from trials, sufferings, or discouragements. But in every challenge, God assures us of His peace and strengthens us to persevere. The readings of today invite us to embrace the peace Jesus offers and to remain faithful in our mission, even amid opposition.

In the first reading, we witness Paul’s perseverance in the face of intense persecution. After being stoned and left for dead, Paul gets up and continues his mission of preaching the Gospel. Far from being discouraged, Paul and Barnabas go on to strengthen the disciples, encouraging them to remain firm in the faith. They candidly tell the new believers, “It is through many hardships that we must enter the kingdom of God.” They appoint leaders, pray, fast, and entrust the communities to the Lord. This episode reminds us that discipleship involves endurance and trust in God, especially when we face difficulties. Faith doesn’t promise us a smooth path, but it gives us the strength to walk through storms with conviction.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks words of profound comfort: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” This is not a worldly peace, which often depends on external calm or favorable conditions. The peace of Jesus is deeper—it is the inner assurance of God’s presence, even in troubling situations. Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure, yet assures them that their hearts need not be troubled or afraid. He speaks of his obedience to the Father, which ultimately leads to the cross. In doing so, Jesus models for us how peace and obedience go hand in hand. Peace is not found in avoiding hardship but in surrendering to God's will with trust.

Dear friends, both readings today offer us a spiritual anchor. Paul reminds us that suffering is part of our journey to the kingdom, and Jesus assures us that his peace will sustain us. Like the early Christians, we are called to remain strong in our faith, to build up one another, and to entrust ourselves continually to God. In times of fear, anxiety, or discouragement, we must return to Jesus' promise: “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Let us ask ourselves: What hardships am I facing in my faith journey? Do I trust that God is with me even when things are difficult? Am I open to receiving the peace that only Christ can give?

Let us pray today for a deeper peace in our hearts—a peace rooted in the presence of Christ—and for perseverance to continue the mission God has entrusted to each of us.

May the peace of Christ remain with us always and strengthen us in every trial.