A Dwelling Place for Peace

05-25-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus speaks to hearts that are anxious- perhaps like our own. He promises peace, but not the kind the world gives: not comfort without trial, not control over every circumstance. His peace is deeper. It is the peace of knowing we are not alone, even when life feels uncertain. It is the peace of a God who makes His home with us.

“Whoever loves me will keep my word,” Jesus says, “and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him” (John 14:23). This is one of the most intimate promises in Scripture: that the Trinity desires to dwell within us. We are not just followers of Jesus- we are His dwelling place. And where God dwells, peace takes root.

The first reading from Acts offers an early glimpse of this peace at work. The Church, faced with tension over the inclusion of Gen le believers, discerns with wisdom and unity. “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us…” (Acts 15:28). There is no chaos, no domination- just trust in the Spirit who teaches and reminds, just as Jesus promised. The early Church mirrors the very peace Jesus spoke of: a peace that guides decisions, bridges divisions, and honors the dignity of all believers. And then Revelation gives us a glimpse of where this peace leads: the New Jerusalem, radiant with God’s presence, where there is no temple because “its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb” (Rev 21:22). There is no need for sun or moon, because “the glory of God gave it light.” This is our destiny- to live in the unending light and peace of God.

But that future begins now. Through the Holy Spirit- the Advocate sent by the Father- we receive the strength to love, the wisdom to discern, and the courage to hope. The Spirit reminds us of who we are and to whom we belong.

So today, let these words take root: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” You are not alone. The God of peace is nearer than you think. He is not simply watching from above- He is dwelling within. Let your soul be a sanctuary where His peace finds a home.

Fr. Augustine Acheme, VC