Short Homily: Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

📖 Readings:

  • Acts 14:19–28

  • Psalm 145:10–11, 12–13ab, 21

  • John 14:27–31a
    🎯 Theme: “Do not let your hearts be troubled: Peace in the middle of pressure”



😄 Introduction 

Many years ago, I tried to teach a few young priests how to cook—thinking I was Gordon Ramsay with a Roman collar. I made a beef-and-banana stew. They ate it in silence. One whispered, “Father, this is definitely... unforgettable.” Ever since, they politely assign me to dishwashing duty, saying I have a “special anointing” for cleaning up! Even in humour, we see: peace comes when you accept your role with grace.

📖 The Word of God

In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” This is not the peace of perfect conditions, but peace in the middle of pressure, persecution, and fear. In Acts 14, Paul is stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead. But the next day, he gets up and goes on preaching! That’s resurrection courage. That’s Easter peace.

Jesus speaks this promise just before His Passion. He knows the storm is coming, yet He plants peace like a seed in the hearts of His followers. It’s not the peace of absence of war, but the presence of Christ.

✝️ Eucharist Connection

At this table, we receive the Prince of Peace, not as an idea, but as real food for the journey. The Eucharist gives us strength to rise again like Paul, to keep walking like the early Church, and to share the peace the world cannot give.

❓ Question for Reflection

Where do I need to welcome Christ’s peace in my life right now? In my family? My finances? My faith?

🧺 Daily Practical Application

Today, make peace with someone you’ve been avoiding. Send a text. Say a prayer. Take a walk with a friend. Be an instrument of peace in a divided world—even if you’re the only one offering it.

🌧️ For Those Facing Difficulties

You might feel like Paul today—bruised, battered, maybe spiritually exhausted. But the Lord says to you: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Stand up, dust yourself off, and walk in faith. Your story is not over.

🌍 Jubilee Year Action

In this Jubilee of Hope, become a peace-builder in your home, parish, or community. Join an outreach. Reconcile with someone. Be the answer to someone’s prayer.

🇿🇦 

Here in Mzansi, where we often face stress, power cuts, crime, or the cost of living, we are still a people of deep faith. Like Paul, we rise after hardship. Our peace is not in Parliament or policies—but in the risen Jesus who walks with us in Diepsloot, Mamelodi, Mitchells Plain, and everywhere in between.

💬 Inspiration Quote

“Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ in the storm.”

🕊️ Conclusion

Let Christ’s peace reign in your heart today. Breathe. Trust. Smile. Share hope. You are not alone—you are a Pilgrim of Hope, walking with the Risen One.

🙏 Short Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Give me Your peace today.
Not the world’s peace, but Yours—
strong enough for the storm,
gentle enough for my heart.
Make me an instrument of peace
in my home, my Church, my country.
Amen.

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