Laura Foushee
Field Personnel in Kanazawa, Japan
"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." –John 15:27
The words of Jesus in John 15:27 have always been moving to me. Among the last words to his disciples as he prepared for the cross were to pray for them and bless them with his peace that would be more than anything the world could give them. The disciples are blessed with a peace that would carry them forward through the coming dark and unknown days.
Some churches follow the tradition of “passing the peace” in their worship services. When we speak the words “the peace of Christ be with you” and then “and also with you,” we are passing on the peace that Christ bestowed on his dearest friends in his last days. It is not a light gesture to do so; it is a part of the ministry of the Church to be holy spaces where Christ’s peace is spoken into the lives of those who gather; a balm for all those who may be troubled or afraid.
Every Sunday as internationals from our city gather for worship, we end our services with a time to share prayer requests. Not a Sunday goes by that we do not pray for peace over someone—one who is new to our city and experiencing isolation; one who is living far away from a family member with serious medical issues; one who is struggling with how to make a life in Japan and discerning whether they need to leave difficult working conditions. Our gathering becomes a place to share and receive the peace of Christ with one another as a blessing to go back into the world.
The disciples were certainly still troubled and afraid in the days surrounding Jesus’ death, but the peace inevitably quieted their hearts for what would come next. Out of the peace came strength, courage and a renewed spirit for carrying on the mission of Jesus. So it is with us, and with those among whom we serve, who no doubt have days of trouble and fear. This peace of Christ that we share and bless among one another will inevitably calm our hearts, preparing us for what comes next.
May the peace of Christ be with you.
Pray...Give...Go.