This past weekend's (4/24-25) first reading from the Acts of the Apostles begins by reminding us that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit filled Peter with wisdom, understanding, fortitude and knowledge so he was emboldened to speak the Truth…that Jesus Christ is the foundation, the cornerstone.  He didn’t fear the leaders of the people or the elders because he knew that “there is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12).

How often are we like Peter?  How many of us speak the truth with love and do courageous things for Jesus Christ?  How often have we known the Holy Spirit is asking us to say something…to do something…to stand up for what it right?  How often have we defended our faith?  We are all filled with the Holy Spirit by virtue of our baptism, and we are all called to be like Peter.  The Holy Spirit is calling us to till and cultivate the cultural soil right now…to plant the seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  The time is now to let the Holy Spirit inspire us to use our God-given gifts and talents to rebuild a world torn apart by post-modernism and relativism.  Because we were made for such a time as this.  Amen? Amen!

​“There is no greater wealth than peace of mind.”

I love this quote...and it fits perfectly with the passage from Luke 24:35-48

The disciples were astonished and terrified as Jesus approached them. The crucifixion had come and gone. Jesus was dead. And yet, there He stood in their midst. “Peace be with you,” Jesus spoke.

Jesus comes to us too…even when we sometimes sit startled and terrified in the mess…the mess of day-to-day struggles, broken relationships, illness, financial hardship…the list is endless. But Jesus still comes to bring us peace of mind, relieve our anxious hearts, and invite us to trust Him on the journey. Because the mess…the suffering…is never the end of the story.  Not with Jesus.
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So invite Him to come to you today and be your peace. Ask Him to help you to focus on the promise and not the mess.