Pope says Holy Spirit grants lasting peace, unlike money, power, vanity

May 20, 2014 - One who welcomes the Holy Spirit in the heart will have lasting and solid peace, unlike one who trusts in a superficial way in the tranquilities offered by money, power and vanity. This was the lesson the Pope Francis drew from the scripture readings at Mass, Tuesday morning, at the Casa Santa Marta residence. Delivering a homily he drew inspiration from the promise of Jesus, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” With regard to the peace that riches bring, Pope Francis said it is not lasting. Even metal begins to rust. He realistically noted that there are thieves out there who can rob all your riches, or a crash in the stock market can make your money disappear. A superficial and temporary peace is not true peace. Similarly, with regard to power, the Pope said, a coup can take it all away, pointing to how Herod lost his peace upon hearing about the King of Israel from the Magi. Those seeking to obtain definitive peace in vanity, the Pope warned, ‘today your are esteemed, tomorrow you are insulted,” as it happened to Jesus between Palm Sunday and Good Friday. What lasts therefore, the Pope said, is the peace of Jesus, who is a Person – the Holy Spirit. Hence the peace of Jesus is a great gift. When the Holy Spirit is in our heart no one can take away his peace. Hence the assurance of Jesus, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” And our duty is to safeguard this definitive peace, which one receives in a special way in the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.