Acts 14:21-27; Apocalypse 21:1-5; John 13:31-33,34-35

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” In this quote, William Shakespeare might express exactly what preceded in Acts 14.
The apostles were sent out by Jesus to preach the Good News by words and deeds, but they often experienced resistance. People didn’t believe them or challenged them and their acts of healing. There was certainly jealously among self-proclaimed healers who were not sent by God.

Paul and Barabas have come to support the apostles. They also appoint further support for them and make sure that these supporters are strategically placed to cover the society of the time.

The preaching is new. The healing is new. Yet, some people try to ignore the change.
In the Book of Revelation, the new Jerusalem is described. The new city of Jerusalem as having come straight from heaven. It is all about heaven and earth. Jerusalem from heaven is the place where the people can meet Jesus who has also come from heaven. The message is positive and hopeful – in a little side remark, we learn that the sea is explicitly left out. Why? Maybe this reflects the fear that many people in the society of the time had of the sea. While it was a source of food, the sea was also considered as dangerous and uncontrollable.

No more war, no more conflicts – the new Jerusalem will be “Heaven on Earth”. The notion of peace was very important to the Jewish belief that only if there was peace that the messiah was able to come: the Son of Man.

Today’s Gospel passage from John confirms Jesus’ identity as the expected Son of Man. Jesus is intertwined with God but it is up to us to keep the commandment “love one another as I have loved you”. Peace is necessary for this wonderful new life.

To have this reminder of neighbourly love, of “caritas” and the notion of peace today is significant. It is the day of the inauguration of our new Pope Leo XIV who started his pontificate with the words: “Peace be with all of you…”

BM