Today's readings include a repetition -- the mother of all learning! We have the opportunity to gather from Paul's sufferings and dedication a sense of the intensity of his faith. Paul, because he is such an avid preacher, continues to spread the Good News, a costly adventure. He is stoned by some Jewish enemies from Antioch and Iconium and his body is carried out of the city. The stoners thought he was dead. The next day he was up and traveling with Barnabas for the town of Derbe. He continued his preaching, continued his traveling, continued to live in the peace of Jesus Christ, free from fear. The words of the gospel assure us that Jesus with always afford us the gift of peace.
Taking leave and peace: two principal themes in both readings. Both Paul and Jesus do their thing. They are teachers, preachers and healers. They build communities that will be a strong support to those who listen, to those who accept the messages they bring to the various towns and places they visit.
This is a time of the year when many young people experience the "pains" of departure ... leaving the community of friends after several years in academic endeavors at a local high school or a university. It is an interesting experience even for adults to watch, to experience with their children. Over time these young people will realize how strong the groups of friends become a significant part of their lives. As they move on to another level of education or, hopefully, into the world of employment, they will understand the meaning of leaving and beginning anew.
What is important is that we adults realize the same experiences in our lives. All of us are challenged at times by leaving relationships for any number of reasons. What is important is that we trust, as did St. Paul, the promise that Jesus gave to his disciples prior to his death. He pledged the gift of peace that would rest in their spirits as longs as they believed in him and the Father. It would be a peace the would enable them to endure suffering, loss, disappointment and emptiness ... even stoning and martyrdom. It is the same peace Jesus promises us each day especially when we receive the Eucharist, his sacred gift of peace.
If you cannot attend a Mass today, take a few moments and in a quiet place engage yourself in a conversation with Jesus. Share the moments of struggle that might be weighing heavily upon your shoulders; share your felt need for a genuine peace of heart and soul. Wars will not end, conflicts will not cease, disagreements will not fade away, loss will not hurt but deep within your heart you will have a special sense of the peace Jesus brought to his apostles and his followers since his death and Resurrection.
