Sixth Sunday of Easter

Jesus The Peacemaker

DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED

Loving God, in the midst of the noise and unrest of the world, draw us into your presence. Still our hearts, quiet our minds, and open us to your peace—a peace that is not of this world but is found in you. Help us to center ourselves in your love, so that we may be instruments of peace in our words, actions, and relationships. Fill us with your Spirit, guiding us to be peacemakers like Jesus. Amen.

Share a story of when you acted as a peacemaker in a difficult situation.

cover of the book Dorothy Day: Spiritual Writings published by Orbis Books

On Memorial Day, we honor those who lost their lives in military service, remembering the deep cost of war. In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers his peace—a peace not of this world, but one that calls us to hope and work for a future where war and conflict no longer claim lives. As we pray for that day, we commit to peacemaking, following the witness of Dorothy Day, who taught that true peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of justice, love, and reconciliation. Dorothy Day (1897-1980) was co-founder of the Catholic Worker, a newspaper and a movement promoting the radical social message of the Gospel. In “houses of hospitality” she practiced the works of mercy, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless. The basis of this was Christ’s teaching that what we do for the poor we do for him. This underlined her commitment to social justice, but it extended also to her commitment to Gospel nonviolence. Throughout her life she maintained a consistent witness for peace, declaring at the outset of World War II that “our manifesto is the Sermon on the Mount.” She condemned preparations for nuclear war and was repeatedly arrested for refusing to cooperate with annual civil defense drills, proclaiming, “Peace is our only defense.” She supported conscientious objectors and refused to pay federal taxes that went for war. Her stance was controversial, but it has won increasing respect from Vatican II to the recent teaching of Pope Francis.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.” 

Today’s Gospel reminds us that God’s presence is not distant or removed but lives within us, offering peace and guidance. As we celebrate the Easter season, we are invited to reflect on how this presence shapes our lives and relationships. Just a few minutes on the internet, listening to news, or spending time on social media can make our hearts troubled or afraid. Jesus offers a peace that the world cannot. But it is not a peace just for us to receive and keep hidden, but to share. As missionary disciples, we are called to look inward to recognize the Holy Spirit’s work with us, and let that presence guide our actions toward others to be peacemakers like Jesus. God relies on us to make the mission of love a present reality in the world.

How is the peace of Christ alive within you, and how is the Spirit inviting you to share that peace and be a peacemaker in a world filled with fear and division?

In our communities, parishes, and families there is often disruption and polarization. It’s unsettling to be around those we disagree with, but we are called to create spaces of peace as missionary disciples. Reach out to one person you disagree with and invite them over for a meal or for coffee. Listen actively by being curious and prepare three questions you have for the other person. After the meeting, reflect on two things you learned from the other person.

God of peace, as we go forth, let your Spirit guide our hearts and actions. May we carry the peace of Christ into a world longing for healing, choosing love over fear, mercy over division, and justice over indifference. Strengthen us to be peacemakers in our homes, communities, and beyond, reflecting your presence in all we do. Amen.