Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest
John 14: 27-31
Choosing Christ’s peace over worldly illusions

As Jesus approached His Passion, He gifted His disciples—and us—saying: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27). This peace is different from anything the world provides. Earthly peace often relies on power, compromise, or unstable agreements; it is temporary, founded on self-interest and fear. In contrast, the peace of Christ originates from the love displayed on the Cross, through sacrifice and humility. His peace is everlasting because it is anchored in the heart of God.

Our Easter journey invites us to walk the pilgrimage of hope: to leave behind false securities and worldly illusions, and to follow Christ, who does not impose but proposes, who conquers not by the sword but by mercy.

How do we walk this path? Pope Francis had proposed the following process in our journey as Pilgrims of Hope:
First, we achieve inner peace by engaging in personal and communal prayer, having regular encounters with the Lord, and connecting with both people and nature.
Second, by choosing forgiveness daily, resisting the bitterness the world encourages.
Third, by acting with tenderness, even when the world demands hardness.
Fourth, through charitable living, generously loving even those who challenge us.
Fifth, by trusting in God’s timing, not in human strength or instant victories.

Easter is our call to move from fear to trust, from violence to tenderness, from disappointment to deep, living hope. When we allow Christ’s peace to reign in our hearts, we become true witnesses of the Resurrection in a wounded world.

Let us walk this pilgrimage together, hearts fixed on Christ, carrying His peace into every place of darkness. True peace is not conquered by force — it is given by love. Accept Christ’s peace, and become a pilgrim of hope!

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025