April  2024

The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming! Spring is a wonderful time of the year to remember one of God’s amazing gifts to us: Peace!

Peace is truly a gift from Jesus. Do you remember Jesus’ first words to his disciples after the resurrection when he found them hiding in a locked room? “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you’”. John 20:21. Amid the scariest times, Jesus shares his gift of peace with us!

Jesus shared this gift with us because peace takes away our fears so we can walk through life unafraid. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

It is Jesus’s peace that helps us encounter the world each day and trust in his presence among us. “I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world!” John 16:33

Peace gives us hope and restores our faith so we can live our lives with joy. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

However, peace must be cultivated as the scriptures remind us that “The attitude that comes from selfishness leads to death, but the attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.” Romans 8:6

This amazing gift of peace is what keeps our hearts safe: “Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 

Jesus’ gift of peace will keep us centered in Him all of the days of our lives! “Now, may the God of peace himself cause you to be completely dedicated to him; and may your spirit, soul, and body be kept intact and blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Blessings!

Rev. Ileana Rosario