Reflection for Sunday – May 25, 2025
Readings: Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29; Revelation 21: 10-14, 2-23; John 14: 23-29
Preacher: Margie Benza
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
As I watched with excitement awaiting the first words from our newly elected papal leader, Pope Leo XIV, they came, “Peace be with you all.” Coming from a man of humility and grace from his new seat in the world as the successor of Peter. Simple but profound words.
Through these weeks of the Easter Season, Mary Magdalene has come to mind often. The unimaginable experience of losing her Jesus through the horrific public emotional and physical abuse she witnessed. Alongside the disciples, a trusted friend who watched helplessly as evil descended upon this innocent man whose only message was peace and freedom.
This faithful servant, Mary Magdalene, who kept company with the disciples through Jesus’ adult ministry, was sure to hear the teachings and these words of John in our gospel today. It continued to draw her near to this man of unconditional love and peace in the midst of the challenges wherever they traveled. She experienced the healing presence of Jesus through the gift of trust knowing that peace offered her a freedom from the darkness of her previous life. She would accompany Jesus in faith spreading the word and supporting his mission.
Where have you found that sense of Jesus’ healing presence offering you a peace beyond description? One that brought tears to your eyes as you deeply felt the presence of God’s healing grace.
Unexpectedly, late last summer my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. After a brief ten-week battle, he passed away in early fall. As you might imagine, it was a time of disbelief, emotional upheaval, and suffering through unpredictable days. This strong, loving man whose life was committed to faith, family and friends was undergoing an unfathomable life changing event unfolding before our eyes. We had no control of what this devastating disease was taking from us.
We did, however, not lose all control. These words of John’s gospel today were part of our mantra, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Jesus had indeed told us everything as he had the disciples. It reminded us in the midst of these uncertain days that his “dwelling” remained in us which continually offered comfort when the anxiousness crept in and the darkness attempted its feat.
The countenance and heart of Jesus revealed to us through family and friends who walked alongside us, sharing our grief and holding us close keeping the word of Jesus to love one another. Peace offered to us in the midst of devastating days and sleepless nights.
These same words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” would be chosen as the gospel for my husband’s funeral. As we entered a full church, the peace of Jesus was indeed with us. Shielding our hearts at the moment from this devastating loss through those gathered as the Body of Christ to celebrate his new life in Christ.
Good Friday this year brought a deeper sense of Jesus’ experience of suffering as I sat at the foot of the cross during my prayer. Our experience through my husband’s illness and subsequent passing was a small window into the depth of what Jesus offers all of us. That in the midst of the suffering, our trust in God will carry us through the darkest of times. It is in the waiting that we are challenged, and in its path, we are transformed.
In the waiting of Holy Saturday, I am always reminded of new life on the horizon with the anticipation of Easter Sunday. It is a time of transformation. A time of waiting in hope. This year especially, brought a time of quiet reflection throughout the day of the revelation in Spirit of the “good news” to come that we’ve been anticipating since Ash Wednesday.
Easter Sunday arrived and I so missed the presence of my husband as I do every day. This day though, this day of profound revelation, this day of celebration brought me with Mary Magdalene to the tomb. He has risen! This momentary gift of the Holy Spirit revealed once again that my husband resides with Jesus who returned for him, transformed in the glory of God and suffers no more. Grateful to the point of tears. Peace again has been gifted and strength offered to move through these days.
May God’s peace be with you all.
- Reflection for Sunday – May 25, 2025 - May 21, 2025
- Reflection for Sunday – February 3, 2019 - January 30, 2019
- Reflection for Sunday – April 29, 2018 - April 26, 2018
Comments are closed.