Luke 2:13-14 and John 14:27

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" (Luke 2:13-14).

 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you ... Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid" (John 14:27).

Question:

I am beginning to work more passionately on achieving work peace. It would be great to have scriptural references as I go forth on this journey and an insight as to the metaphysical interpretation and understanding of these scriptures. Application to life as we know it today is most helpful for those seeking enlightenment and to me on my journey. 

Comment:

It is interesting that these two passages are sort of bookends to the life and ministry of Jesus. The statement in Luke is part of the birth story. The passage in John is from Jesus' final discourse to his disciples just before his arrest. It's worth noting, I think, that both are speaking the Truth about what is; they are not asking for something in the future. 

In both cases our collective spiritual process is at a point of uncertainty and confusion.The birth of Christ awareness—Christ in expression—led everyone involved outside their comfort zones. Mary and Joseph were forced to undergo a long, arduous journey to reach the birth site in Bethlehem. The shepherds were asked to leave their livelihoods—the flocks for whom they were responsible—and venture into an uncertain night in search of a newborn baby. The message of the angels is that peace and goodwill—both elements of spiritual Love—are already present in the world. They have only to be recognized and claimed in order to be experienced.

Jesus is saying the same thing, I think, in the verse from John. He can't leave behind something that isn't there. So "Peace I leave with you" isn't a promise; it's a statement of spiritual fact. The peace you need is already present, he is telling his fearful followers. There's nothing to fear.

So in both cases, no one is praying for peace. They are affirming that peace is already present, even in the fearful confusion of taking another step forward on our spiritual path. Find it, claim it, feel it, share it. That peace will guide us forward.

As you begin your more passionate commitment to world peace, it's important not to see its absence in the world. If we focus on a perceived lack of peace as a problem to be solved, our intentions are good; but by focusing on the perception of lack, we are creating more lack. If you seek out every expression of peace, however tiny, and appreciate it fully, our attention will expand the peace. And as you take this guided step forward, you may feel as fearful and confused as the shepherds and disciples. The reassurance of these verses is that there is nothing to fear. Beneath every expression of confusion, there is peace.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed