Jn 14:21-26
Christ’s peace: Jesus’ farewell word of peace calls forth something deeper and more lasting. It refers to peace in one’s heart which can banish fear and anxiety, the kind of peace that God’s presence among us brings.
In his discourses in John’s gospel, Jesus imparts to the disciples not only his “peace” but also his “love” and his “joy” (15:9-11). Paul speaks of the “peace of Christ,” which controls the hearts of his people, maintaining harmony among the Christian communities (Col 3:15), and of the peace of God that guards their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7). He refers to love, joy, and peace as the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), and compares them with faith, hope, and love (1 Cor 13:13).
Jesus wants peace to be made full in the disciples’ love for him. Only then may they recognize the fulfillment of his words, and believe that he is indeed the person he claims to be (Jn 13:19).