Tuesday 30 April 2024

Today is Tuesday 30 April, in the 5th week of Eastertide.

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.

Ukuthula kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukuthula
Usindiso kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ usindiso
Ukubonga kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukubonga
Ukukholwa kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukukholwa
Ukunqoba kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukunqoba
Induduzo kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ induduzo
Peace in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings peace
Redemption in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings redemption
Praise (gratefulness) in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings praise (gratefulness)
Faith in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings
Victory in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings
Comfort in this world of sin (Hallelujah) the blood of Jesus brings




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.

This peace that Jesus speaks of… what is it? It clearly isn’t just a state of untroubled calm. It’s not some kind of floaty detachment, a carefree lack of concern about others, and about the tensions and struggles of today’s world. What is this peace like? How do you imagine it?

When we are gripped by fear or agitation, it can immobilise us. To those who want it, Jesus gives a peace which frees us from this grip, from these immobilising effects, and allows us to engage with life in its fullness and complexity. Is this a gift you want?

Accepting that these gifts come from God, listen again to today’s reading. Listen to what Jesus promises.

Speak to God in your own words, now. What situations in your life are crying out for that freedom from fear and distress, that peace that only Christ can give? Ask God how you might be a channel for that gift of peace.

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.