This Sunday’s Gospel brings us some of the most tender and reassuring words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (John 14:27) These words—spoken just before Jesus’ Passion—are not wishful thinking. They are a promise. A promise rooted in divine love that no suffering, war, or division can undo. It is a peace the world cannot manufacture. It is not political, not circumstantial. It is the enduring peace of Christ that calms hearts and reconciles brokenness. It is the promise that Jesus will send his Advocate, his Holy Spirit to be with us always until the end of time. That is the same Holy Spirit we rely on for our everyday life.

 

Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has echoed this very promise. Again and again, he has reminded us that “war is never the answer to anything,” and that “love and peace are the only path forward.” In his early messages to the Church and the world, Pope Leo has emphasized unity—not just in the Church, but among peoples and nations. His heart beats with a deep desire to see division give way to communion, and to see enemies become neighbors. In many ways, his papacy is already shaping up to be a prophetic witness to peace in a fractured world.

 

But how do we begin living that peace ourselves? How do we take Christ’s words seriously in our ordinary lives in our community here? It starts close to home. Peace in our families—through forgiveness, gentleness, and presence. Peace in our parish—through listening, inclusion, and shared prayer. Peace in our nation—by being voices of civility, truth, and justice. Peace in our world—by advocating for the vulnerable, forgotten and broken, resisting violence in all forms, and living the Gospel courageously.

 

This weekend, as our nation celebrates Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to peace. These men and women, whose courage and sacrifice we honor, remind us of the cost of freedom—and the importance of never taking it for granted. While Memorial Day often brings barbecues and the unofficial start of summer, let us not forget its deeper meaning: it is a solemn call to remember and recommit ourselves to the work of peace.

 

On Tuesday, May 27th, I invite you to a very important Town Hall Meeting at 7:00 PM in Spooncer Hall. We will be sharing a bold new vision for the future of our parish and school—building on the 65-year legacy of St. Simon School and the 70-year journey of our parish community. This is a moment to listen, to dialogue, and to dream together about how we can continue to grow in faith, in service, and in peace. Your voice matters. Please come and be part of shaping the future.

 

I also warmly invite you to join me for a special celebration of my 25th anniversary of priesthood on Saturday, May 31, at the 5:00 PM Mass. This milestone is not only a gift of ministry for me—it is a gift I share with you. Every parish I have served has left its imprint on my heart, but these last five years at St. Simon have been especially grace-filled. This community has become a true spiritual home for me, and I am so deeply grateful to walk this journey with you. Let us celebrate God’s faithfulness together.

 

Peace be with you,

Fr. Brendan