Peace is a gift that is embodied through the Holy Spirit through

In the words of Monica Johnson, "Peace is a gift that is embodied through the Holy Spirit through the acceptance of Christ." These words ring with the deep resonance of a truth that has echoed through the ages: that peace is not a mere absence of conflict, but a profound gift, one that transcends the limitations of the physical world. It is a peace that is divine in nature, a gift from the Creator, and it is only through the acceptance of Christ that this peace can truly be received and embodied. For Christ does not simply teach peace; He embodies it, and it is through His Holy Spirit that this peace flows into the hearts of those who accept Him.

The ancients knew well the power of peace. The Greek philosophers often spoke of inner tranquility as the highest virtue, one that could not be achieved through mere external circumstances, but only through the alignment of the soul with the greater truths of the universe. Plato in his dialogues described the just soul as one at peace with itself, not swayed by the chaos of the external world but grounded in something eternal and unchanging. Similarly, Monica Johnson’s words speak to a deeper, divine peace—one that is not just a state of mind, but a spiritual gift that comes only from the acceptance of Christ, who offers a peace that the world cannot give. It is peace that flows from the Holy Spirit, like a river of grace, cleansing the soul and transforming it into a vessel of calm amidst the storms of life.

Consider the example of St. Augustine, one of the greatest Christian thinkers. Before his conversion, Augustine was torn between the worldly desires of his youth and the call to spiritual peace. His life was filled with inner turmoil, searching for meaning and purpose in a world that seemed filled with chaos. Yet, when he accepted Christ into his heart, a profound peace settled upon him. It was not the absence of external conflict, for Augustine faced many trials, but the presence of something greater—the Holy Spirit, which filled him with peace that could not be shaken by the fleeting troubles of the world. His journey is a testament to the fact that peace, as Monica Johnson says, is not something we achieve by striving or force, but a gift we receive through our relationship with Christ.

The story of Jesus Christ’s life also illustrates this profound peace. When Christ walked the earth, He faced constant opposition, betrayal, and ultimate suffering. Yet, even as He faced the cross, He spoke of a peace that transcended the physical realm. "My peace I give to you," He said to His disciples, "not as the world gives." This was not the fleeting peace that comes from external circumstances, but a peace rooted in divine truth, one that comes from knowing and accepting the presence of God in our lives. The peace that Christ embodied was not a peace of passivity, but of courageous, active presence, even in the midst of great suffering. He showed us that true peace is born not from avoidance of conflict, but from deep trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

The lesson from Monica Johnson’s words is clear: peace is a gift that must be received, and it comes only through the Holy Spirit, which is given to us through the acceptance of Christ. We cannot achieve lasting peace through our own efforts or by controlling our circumstances, but we must open our hearts to the presence of Christ, who brings peace to the deepest parts of our souls. This peace is not a passive peace, but an active one—a peace that empowers us to live boldly, to love others with compassion, and to endure hardship with grace. When we receive this divine peace, we are transformed from the inside out, becoming instruments of peace in a world that desperately needs it.

In our own lives, let us strive to open ourselves to the peace that Christ offers. Let us remember that true peace is not found in the absence of conflict, but in our willingness to trust in God’s presence, no matter what challenges we face. When we face the storms of life—whether personal, relational, or societal—we must remember that peace comes from accepting Christ and the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. This peace will allow us to endure and persevere, to love others in their struggles, and to bring light into the darkness. Peace is a gift, and it is only through our connection to the Divine that we can receive it fully.

Practical action calls us to embrace peace in our lives—not as something we grasp at, but as something we receive with open hearts. Cultivate stillness in your soul through prayer, meditation, and reflection, seeking the presence of Christ in every moment. Let the Holy Spirit guide you toward peace in your relationships, in your work, and in your community. When you are faced with uncertainty or hardship, turn inward to the peace of Christ, knowing that it is through Him that you will find the strength to endure and the serenity to navigate the challenges of life. Let peace become not just an aspiration, but a lived reality—shaped by the acceptance of Christ and the grace He offers.