The Unauthorized Homily

By Bill Dunn

A commentary on the Scripture readings from the Sunday Lectionary

(Scripture readings for Sunday, May 9th: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; John 14:23-29)

PEACE AND SERENITY POSSIBLE IN THIS WORLD

An important concept in Christianity is the fact this world is not our home. Yes, we were born here, and we live out our natural lives here in this world, and we pay property taxes here—usually a sure sign that this is home. But the real us, our minds and souls and spirits rather than our physical flesh and bones, will not rest until we are with our Almighty Creator in Heaven for all eternity.

We are just passing through this world, strangers in a strange land. (But don’t think this will allow you to stop paying property taxes.) So Christians who understand this concept accept the fact we will never be able to experience perfect peace and serenity as long as we are in this fallen world. There is simply too much pain and suffering and despair and death.

However, some people focus so much on the trials and tribulations of life here on earth—our “many hardships,” as St. Paul called them—they end up making a fairly strong case for jumping off a bridge. (And I freely admit I often go off in this direction myself at times.)

Life here on earth certainly is not pure torture, with every waking moment filled with despair and pain. It’s just that we all long for perfect peace and serenity, a blissful feeling that everything, both in our personal lives and in our community, is under control and in harmony. A situation where there is no strife, no stress, and no worries—and never will be again. That is PERFECT peace. Deep down we all want it, and deep down we all know that whatever peace we do experience in this world will be either very fleeting or artificially induced. (Why do you think alcohol manufacturers are so wealthy and drug dealing is so lucrative? People crave comfort and serenity, even if it’s extremely temporary.)

The fact is, we can experience peace and serenity in this world. Mind you, it won’t be the perfect and everlasting peace that awaits us in Heaven. Instead it will be a sample, a small taste of the wonderful peace and comfort and joy that we will experience forever. And the peace we can have in this world is a lot more real than the artificially induced type—plus you won’t have a hangover the next morning.

In this week’s gospel reading Jesus says to His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

There are a few important points to notice in this statement. First, we really can experience peace, a state of being where our hearts are neither troubled nor afraid. The idea that peace is really possibly nowadays might come as quite a surprise to the many folks who are caught up in modern society’s 24/7, over-caffeinated, relentlessly stressful rat race. (And don’t forget what they say about the rat race: even if you win, you’re still a rat.)

The next important point is that this peace comes only from Jesus. He calls it “my peace,” and says “I leave (it) with you.” If we don’t look to Him for this peace, we’re not going to find it. And it makes sense if you think about it. Our hearts crave the perfect peace found only in Heaven. It only stands to reason that the One who came from Heaven is the only One who can give us a little foretaste of that type of peace here on earth.

Finally, we must note that Jesus clearly says that His peace is “not as the world gives.” And before we continue, let’s be clear about the definition of “the world.” When speaking of “world” or “worldly,” Jesus means the secular value system that is focused on short-term physical pleasure, power, and prestige. It is a view that ignores the eternal truths of Heaven and mankind’s spiritual dimension—our need for a relationship with our Creator. In short, the values of the “world” are selfish and shallow and unfulfilling.

The world offers many enticements, all of which promise to provide peace and comfort and happiness. But it’s all a lie. These promises couldn’t be more false if they came via unsolicited email from a supposedly former high-ranking finance minister in the Nigerian government. Just think of some of the worldly things people chase after today:

We look for comfort in food. Instead we get obesity and poor health.

We look for fulfillment in casual sex. Instead we get disease, shattered emotions, destroyed families, and oftentimes death.

We look for security in money. Instead we get worry, exhaustion, and the all-too-common paranoia that comes with trying to hold on to the wealth we have.

We look for prestige in being beautiful. Instead we become obsessed with appearances and depressed that the aging process cannot be stopped. If you need proof that spending millions of dollars in the quest to stop the aging process is a fruitless endeavor, I have two words for you: Joan Rivers. (Or the one word argument: Cher.)

The peace that Jesus gives can be ours—IF we realize it is based on His view of reality, not the false view promoted by “the world.” And it’s not a complicated formula. We simply need to stop focusing on ourselves for a change. If we instead focus on Christ and bask in the love He offers us, we will have peace.

A great Christian paradox is that we will never be happy if we are focused on happiness; we will never be at peace if all we think about is finding peace. You see, happiness and peace are by-products of being in a proper relationship with the Lord.

We must deny ourselves—stop being so self-centered all the time and stop comparing ourselves to others so often. If we look upward to Jesus, rather than inward to ourselves, and focus on Him, we will have peace and serenity. It won’t be the overwhelming PERFECT peace and serenity that await us in Heaven, but it will be a whole lot better than the false promises of this world.

©2010