The Peace That Jesus Brings

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on August 11, 2022

“Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” 

     Jesus came to earth as the Prince of Peace. Yet in next Sunday’s gospel (Luke 12:49-56) we hear Jesus declare that He has come to bring division, not peace. Luke’s gospel begins with a motif of peace. At Jesus’ birth angels appeared to shepherds to share the good news and along with the heavenly host they rejoiced and sang, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men…” Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist filled with the Holy Spirit prophesied that his newly born son, John the Baptist would “go before the Lord” and prepare the way of the coming One who would  “guide our feet in the way of peace.” (Luke 1-79)

        Jesus was born at a time when Palestine, was under Roman domination.  Peace was a central theme of Roman rule, Pax Romana, the peace of the Romans. This peace was an imposed external pretentious peace, built on military might. Order and external calm were enforced by fear of the dominant power. Peace was not derived from freedom but from yielding to strict control. The philosophy of Pax Romana was enforced autocratic and military control, to prevent war, chaos, and destruction.

         But Jesus came to offer a better peace, God’s peace. A peace so deep it passes human understanding. This lasting peace is an inward peace of the heart, soul and mind. A peace which all who believe in Christ and obey Him can receive, “peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27) This spirit of peace is expressed as an inner non-anxious serenity, rooted in faith and trust in the certainty and hope contained in the promises offered by the Prince of Peace. Peace transcends external hardships and challenges.

         Yet some choose to hold on to a world without God’s peace, a world of turmoil, anxiety, chaos, and anger. Jesus’ coming brought division between those in our earthly-focused world who would harden their hearts and reject Him and those who would accept His word and believe in Him. In the words of the “wise and righteous” Simeon, Jesus was “destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed.” (Luke 2:34). Jesus was the sign from God that was greatly opposed, leading to His passion and death. In obeying and following Jesus’ footsteps, the believer is to be aware that some will be drawn to faith by their example. Others will oppose and demean the believer, just like the heroes and martyrs of the faith were rejected. Divisions, opposition, and rejection are not abstract ideas but are lived faith realities, even within families.

        But Jesus said, do not let your hearts be troubled, only believe. Thanks be to God for the unending treasure of God’s inner peace! Amen

Tags: peace, division, prince of peace, inner peace, non-anxious, inward peace

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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