Acts 14:19-28 / John 14:27-31
Quite often we understand the word "encouragement" as something that is inspiring, stimulating, boosting and reinforcing.
At the same time, connected with the word "encouragement" are also meanings like comforting and consoling and helping.
To be a person that gives encouragement to others would also mean that the person would have faced the trials and tribulations and the lessons of life are seared into the flesh.
So when Paul and Barnabas said in the 1st reading that "we all have to experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of God", they know what they were talking about.
We heard from the 1st reading that the people stoned Paul and dragged him outside the town, thinking he was dead.
But miraculously, when the disciples came and crowded round him, he stood up and went back to town as if nothing has happened.
That sounded rather amusing but we would be hesitant to laugh at it. Because we won't be laughing if we get stoned and then dragged around.
Yet we need not frown or get distressed because Jesus gives us these words of encouragement: Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
As the hymn goes: Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. 'Twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
Similarly, through many dangers, toils and snares, that have come and that will come. But it will be peace that will bring us safe thus far, and it will be peace that will lead us home.
May the gift of the peace of Jesus be always with us and may it give us the encouragement to face the dangers, toils and snares.