by Fr. Paul D. Scalia.

"It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us…" This line from today's first reading (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29) sounds a little odd. As if the decision of the Holy Spirit wasn't enough, the Apostles have to add "and of us." It calls to mind the story of the priest who pompously began his sermon, "Our Lord once said - and I think He's right…" Or, still curiouser, it can sound as though the Holy Spirit and the Apostles had finally come to some agreement. Still, despite its odd sound, the phrase is extraordinarily important - and a harbinger of peace.

"It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us…" The Holy Spirit didn't need the Apostles' affirmation, and the two parties had not come to some kind of compromise. Rather, that line confirms that the Holy Spirit is working through the Apostles, and the Apostles are the instruments of the Holy Spirit. What the Apostles hand down from Jerusalem is no human opinion but the authoritative teaching of the Spirit.

Now, the occasion for this declaration reveals the purpose of the Church's teaching authority: to confirm the faithful and thus give them peace.

In Antioch, there had been many Gentile converts, and the Church was prospering. But then some came from Judea and said, "Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1) As one might expect, this requirement disturbed the peace of the Church in Antioch. Part of their trouble would certainly have been the requirement of circumcision. But the greater reason for their lack of peace was the uncertainty about God's will. How were they to live as Christians? What did it mean to believe in the Christ? Were they, as Saint Paul describes it, "running in vain"? (Galatians 2:2)

The Apostles were aware of what that lack of clarity had done. "We have heard that some of our number who went out without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind." So they are also confident that their clear teaching will restore peace of mind. Through that Apostolic letter, the Antiochenes will know the truth and have the confidence that they're not running in vain.

"In His will is our peace," Dante famously wrote. We try to find peace in doing our own will, in having our own way. That might keep anxiety at bay, for a time. But it's ultimately in vain. We find peace in knowing and doing His will. Which is not to say that we find comfort, prosperity, or popularity. Only that we possess the tranquility of knowing that we are on the right path. And when we know that we are walking in integrity and truth, then we can endure and even embrace a great deal of discomfort, poverty, and scorn.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." Jesus speaks these familiar words while He also speaks of keeping His word (John 14:23-29) - that is, of obedience. Again, peace is found through His word of truth. Indeed, throughout the Last Supper discourse He teaches the Apostles about commands and obedience, peace and joy. Only in knowing and obeying His commands can we know peace and joy.

Of course, to the worldly minded these things - commands and obedience, peace, and joy - are contradictory. Obedience to God's command deprives us of peace and joy. In His will is not our peace but our slavery and elimination. Because we are in competition with Him. The world resents any clear teaching because it comes with responsibility. Thus, worldlings are forever trying to create the tall grass and blur distinctions, lest the arduous but true path be revealed.

So, our Lord makes the necessary distinction: "Not as the world gives do I give it to you." The world gives "peace" by ignoring or denying problems. Christ bestows real peace by entering into our greatest sorrows, even into death itself. The world proposes the false peace of contentment and comfort. Christ gives the true peace that calls us to higher things. The world settles for a false peace by numbing our pain with drin...