**SERMON** "Perfect Peace!!" 2 Easter sermon 11 April 2021

Peace I ask of thee, O River.

Peace, Peace, Peace.

When I learn to live serenely,

Cares will cease.

I learned that song at Camp Nawaka many, many years ago.  We sang this at the close of all-camp activities just before bedtime.  In a circle, we’d sing “Peace” followed by Taps.  The Camp Director would initiate a hand squeeze that worked its way around “the friendship circle” as we sang.

When most of us think of “peace,” perhaps we think of a carefree existence such as the song suggests.  A place where there is no stress or anxiety.  Where you and I can, in the words of Bobby McFerrin, “don’t worry, be happy.”

Or maybe we think of a complete absence of war and destruction.  A place where there is no violence or human suffering.  Where we can all stand in a circle as one, holding hands, and singing “Peace,” or even “Kumbaya.”

The picture of the early Christian community in Acts and the words of the Psalm certainly appear to support this second understanding of the word “peace.”  However, the Biblical word for peace, the Hebrew word Shalom, means all that and more.

Shalom is used especially when “one asks for or prays for the welfare of another or one is in harmony or accord with one another, or when one seeks the good of a city or country.”[1]  According to the New Bible Dictionary, Shalom indicates “completeness, soundness, or well-being.” 

Jesus wishes His friends this kind of peace in our readings.  And not just once or twice, but three times- in verses 19, 21, 25.  I may have mentioned once or twice before that, in the Bible, if something is repeated, then it must be important.

Then, as now, I think Jesus was fully aware that His followers desperately need peace, true peace.  You may recall that it has only been one week since the Resurrection (both for the disciples and for us).  Jesus’ followers certainly have a lot to be anxious about:

There is starting to be some tensions between Jesus’ followers and the synagogue.

There are some, like Thomas, who doubt the Resurrection.

There is still the question of if Jesus’ followers will be arrested next.

You and I have our own causes for anxiety and concern:

            A loved one is dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

            A loved one is battling depression brought on by the pandemic.

            A loved one is facing a terminal cancer diagnosis.

In all of these situations and more, Jesus stands with us and among us with the precious gift of peace.  We cannot make peace.  Nothing we do can earn peace.  Nor does peace come from having the right set of beliefs or opinions. 

There are some things we can do to help open us up to peace, such as remembering during a difficult time how God has carried us through past challenges.  Ultimately, however, peace- true, lasting peace- is like God’s love.  Peace comes to us freely as a gift that comes from being in relationship with God, the Author and Giver of peace.

[1] “Peace” in The New Bible Dictionary.  Second edition.   Tyndale House Publishers, Inc: Wheaton, IL.  P.  901-902.