Tuesday 9 May 2023

Today is Tuesday the 9th of May, in the fifth week of Easter.

The University of Johannesburg Choir sing Ukuthula: Peace in this world of sin the blood of Jesus brings. Redemption in this world of sin the blood of Jesus brings.

(Lyrics currently unavailable)

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.


John 14:27-31

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.

John’s gospel records intimate conversations between Jesus and His disciples. They have work to do. They have much to learn. Just like you and me. These words, and the passages for the next few days are from Jesus’ final 24 hours with his disciples before he goes to his trial, death, and - at this point, unseen by the disciples - his resurrection. It’s a time of intense teaching. The disciples are sad and confused.

How do you feel about today’s words of Jesus, as he prepares for his own journey to suffering and death? How could peace be something he could contemplate giving, do you think?


When you’re at peace, is God nearby? Where is your place of peace? What disturbs your peace? It could be something very subtle…

As you hear the passage again, place yourself in the dusty sandals of the disciples, feel their fear, sense their troubled hearts.


It’s so easy to read these words, isn’t it? We need to take them in. You might need to repeat them to yourself, over and over again. “My peace I give to you.” As this prayer time draws to a close, ask for the Lord’s help to accept the peace he offers.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.