We live in difficult times; indeed the most difficult that I can remember as an adult. Globally, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, which brings the renewed threat of nuclear war, climate change, ongoing hunger and poverty hang over us. Within our own country, a stalled economy and high inflation, a supply chain that is still having difficulty filling store shelves, and an intolerance for people who don’t think or believe the same way that we do. On top of that, we all have family issues, health issues, employment issues…the list goes on and on. At face value, there’s plenty to worry about. Sometimes peace seems really hard to come by; where/to whom do we turn? The answer is in today’s Gospel, and the answer is Jesus. His words ring as true today as they did when He spoke them to His disciples: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Just as a child who has had a bad dream finds comfort and reassurance in their parents, so should we find in Jesus who is Lord of every situation. As out of control as things may seem, Jesus is in charge and the final, most important victory has already been won. Jesus told us that He’s preparing a place for us, and that one day He will return to bring us home. Not that we shouldn’t work towards finding solutions to these issues; that is our mandate from God. But we shouldn’t live in fear. I pray that we may all find peace; the peace that only Jesus can give. Reflection by parishioner, John Ceglarek