John 14:23-27 (NRSV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. John
14: 27
On this day 2000 years ago Joseph and Mary must have
been traveling by donkey on their way to Bethlehem for the birth of
their first child.
Traveling – hasn’t this been part of all our lives?
For my husband and me leaving our family in the United States and
traveling to Canada so that he might serve as a priest on both sides
of the border has become as familiar to us as getting dressed each
day. However, it is not an easy task when a granddaughter says,
“Please stay just a little longer”. This is what the apostle said
to Jesus when he told them that he was going on a journey - a journey
back to his Father.
Just as we leave our children in the protective hands of
a person to care for them, Jesus left the disciples in the care of
the Holy Spirit. Just as we say “Don’t argue, and love one
another,” Jesus said the same to the people he left behind.
I believe that during this season of Advent we should
reflect on the tasks he asks of us – love one another and remember
that he said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do
not be afraid.”
This is our journey, our hope, and our faith, knowing
that God is with us forever in all of our travels.
Lynne van der Hiel
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