Today I want to talk about peace; the peace that is eternal, unconditional and unchanging - the peace given as a gift to us from Jesus.

John 14:27-28 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.

This is reassuring; but at the same time challenging. How hard is it for us to not let our hearts be troubled? To not be afraid? Sometimes this may feel like an impossible task.

And how easy is it for us to remain in spiritual peace? Sometimes we can really feel that deep peace in our hearts, but so often it gets lost amongst empty worldly peace. We find ourselves slipping into worldly chaos and distraction, with no time for prayer and to listen for the still small voice. A voice that brings us comfort and peace.

Spiritual peace can perhaps be best described by taking note of the Hebrew concept of peace, which is rooted in the world. Shalom- which means wholeness, completeness, soundness, health, safety, a sense of permanence - this helps us to understand the peace Jesus is leaving with us. It is a permanent, ever present gift, ready for us to accept at any time. An all-encompassing compassionate and loving peace.

I do not give as the world gives, what does the world give us?
By this I mean trying to find a fragile, fleeting peace from transient and unstable sources, perhaps possessions, achievements, certain relationships and routines. Maybe, financial security, holidays or even those who turn to drugs and alcohol to desperately find a form of peace. How long do we spend striving for something in an unknown future for us to arrive at that destination but still realise the peace and happiness we were looking for isn't there. We are restless and unhappy.

As a hospital Chaplain I encounter many patients that are in a desperate struggle to find true, spiritual peace, but their hearts have been crowded with ideas of peace as the world gives which has led to many fears, anxieties and troubles - we end up doing exactly the opposite of what the verse John 14 is instructing us to do - “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. We are very troubled and very afraid. Lost amongst too many thoughts.

If I have a bag, and this bag is to represent our hearts and what we carry inside, we can start to get a picture of how quickly we can become overwhelmed.

If we have abundant peace inside this bag - the peace that comes from Jesus, we feel light, connected in prayer, hopeful, joyful, able to face the future and any struggles with confidence.

However, if I add more to this bag - possessions, financial security, struggles for a new house, a new car, a great holiday and then all the worries that come with daily life, I may find myself desperately searching around inside the bag to find the true peace from Jesus. Can you see how hard it has become to find it? I cannot think straight as I have become overwhelmed with trying to carry what feels like the weight of the world. But we have an awareness of an enlightening peace buried and momentarily hidden deep inside. We just need to reach it.

So, if we start to unpack some of these worldly items, we can start to reconnect with this peace.

But how can we do that? How can we help others to do that?

We are given another gift - the Holy Spirit, the Comforter to help us unpack through prayer and perseverance and find that peace. We need to help those who are heavy burdened, to help them find something that brings them hope, meaning and purpose glimmers of light.

To help them find peace that is so desperately needed inside so many troubled hearts and minds. The Holy Spirit is a constant source of support, guidance and comfort, as well as a teacher and a reminder of everything that Jesus said.

I have been to some patients who admit that they feel like they are in a black hole, that they are openly and honestly admitting that they don't know where to go from here. Their hearts are so full and heavy that they cannot find their next steps.

Equally, however, once the access to an overwhelming amount of worldly distractions has been removed, and a patient is confined to a hospital bed, some find it easier to unpack heavy bags and draw on what means the most to them. Some begin actively searching out a God. And actively searching out that deep peace. It is a privilege to walk alongside all these patients.

In a passage a bit further along in John 16:33 , Jesus says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. Jesus knows we will have trouble in this world but wants us to stand firm to the fact that he has overcome it all. He is our peace. All the struggles, all the fears, and worries and he will be alongside us always.

Someone once said there is another sacrament we can offer and that is of presence, we can bring this to others. If we hold a deep peace in our hearts, we can regulate peace in others. Passing on the strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

As Chaplains and as Christians we can help others to put things down at the foot of the cross, through prayer and allowing God to work through us - we are the hands and feet. We can help people unpack some of the chaos of the world and find a path back to some simplicity and peace. We must also remember to put things down ourselves. Sometimes we take on the load of other people's emotions, but these are not ours to carry. This is so important to remember.

There is always going to be suffering and challenges in the world, but we must turn with hope to the one who has given us this amazing gift of peace. And let us remind ourselves that Jesus spoke those words right before he walked into the ultimate suffering of the crucifixion. We can trust and have faith in his promises. We can depend on him to meet our needs; we cannot depend on what the world gives. Jesus gives us stability and a love and peace beyond all understanding.

This life isn't a walk in the park, but look who is walking with us on this pilgrimage of life! We are not alone, we have Jesus and we have each other.

During the Sunday service we share the peace to show we are reconciled to each other and we are united with one another. Jesus shared his peace with us so we are to share it with others. And as we are always sent out - “go out in peace love and serve the Lord”, may we all reflect the peace of Jesus to the world. How will you do that today?

Amen.

The peace of the earth be with you,
The peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you;
God's peace growing in you.