May 25, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

Our Gospel this Sunday again takes place during the Last Supper; an excerpt from Jesus’ “Last Supper Discourse.” This discourse covers four chapters in the Gospel of John. At the beginning of chapter 14—the chapter from which our Gospel is taken—Jesus says to the apostles: “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). He goes on to say a few more things and then finishes the chapter by repeating: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). It’s like Jesus really wants this point to sink in.

So many things trouble us. So many issues arise in our life that take away our inner peace. There are large-scale issues that bother us: war, poverty, politics, the economy, etc. There are “small-scale” issues that bother us (though I wouldn’t actually call them “small”): our health, a fight with a family member, a problem at work, and so forth. Jesus tells us once about our large-scale issues: do not be troubled. He tells us twice about our small-scale issues: do not be troubled.

Let’s reflect a bit on this, because it seems to be an ‘easier said than done’ situation. We can use Jesus’ preceding line to help us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.”

The “peace” of the world is to flee the issue. What the world proposes for us to do is ignore or numb the pain by watching a TV show, having a drink, scrolling mindlessly through the phone, taking a vacation, talking about something else, or doing something that does not address the problem. “Just run from it,” the world says, “and you’ll be at peace.” And when you come back and it hasn’t gone away on its own, then just run again. Find your happy place, wherever or whatever that might be.

Our Lord’s peace is not this. He doesn’t eliminate our issues, nor does he want us to numb ourselves to them. Jesus’ peace involves us addressing the issues directly, and we do this, principally, by acknowledging and bringing them to him in prayer. Tell him what is going wrong, how you feel, what you are bothered by or afraid of, and what you desire. Jesus will pour out his love, grace, and peace upon you.

You see, when we are “troubled,” we are usually suffering something imposed upon us. Someone may misunderstand us, accuse us, or pick a fight with us. Or we may face a difficult situation: a parent with dementia, a cancer diagnosis, a demanding job. We are given a cross to carry. Think of Jesus carrying the cross. It wasn’t his fault. It was thrust upon him.

And what did Jesus do? He didn’t flee from the cross. He embraced it and carried it. He didn’t let his heart be troubled. He brought the pain from the cross to God the Father, and the cross elevated him. He was hurting atop Calvary, but he was also experiencing deep peace. He was with God and he was redeeming the world.

When you experience a troubling issue, consider yourself being elevated. The world says the cross brings you low. We say it brings you high. If you can listen to the voice of the Father and not the voice of the master of lies, you will be at peace.

I think of Pope Leo. It’s been a glorious few weeks for us all and for him. The whole world has been watching joyfully and singing his praises, and rightfully so. But soon—if not already—the honeymoon will be over. He will embrace the cross that he wears around his neck and that he carries during Mass. The world’s problems will now become his own. And if he can connect to Christ his Shepherd, which he will because of our prayers, then he will experience peace. And he will become an instrument of peace.

+

Happy Memorial Day. May perpetual light shine upon all the men and women who gave their lives in the service of our country. God bless them and God bless America. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, we will just have the 8:30 a.m. Mass (there will be no 6:25 a.m. and no confessions at 8 a.m.). All are also welcome to join the SPC Parish Food Pantry in the Park Ridge Memorial Day Parade that day.

Congratulations to all students who are graduating grammar school, high school, and college these days. Blessings to you in your next adventure. Our own SPC School will have its graduation this Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m.. We are proud of you, 8th graders. Continue to be a light to the world.

As I mentioned a few weeks back, this Wednesday, May 28th is the Priestly Ordination of Father Lee Noel (previously Deacon Lee Noel—our seminarian). The ordination will take place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and I’ll be blessed to be out there for it, as Lee has been a seminarian with me for five years. Congratulations, Father Lee. We are very proud of you. May you have many years of fruitful service as a priest of Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. James Wallace