By FATHER KARL A. KRAUSER, C.Ss.R.

In New York, at the turn of the century, many immigrants came from various parts of the world. They established small colonies which were copies of their homelands. Their ways, customs and native tongue were preserved in these new surroundings.

As time passed, and a new generation came forward, the old ways were modified in favor of a new reality that was distinctly American.

In Acts, the first Christian communities were founded in colonies steeped in Jewish customs. As time passed and people from Roman, Greek and other backgrounds--gentiles--entered these communities, the old customs changed so as to incorporate new members. That is why the disciples met at Antioch. The early Church was always adapting to the times.

Vatican II, in its call for renewal, is an example of the Church's ability to adapt itself under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In Sunday's responsorial psalm, the psalmist asks God to "turn his face and smile upon his people so that the earth will acknowledge his ways and the nations will know the power to save."

We know from family life the power of the smile of someone we love; it can brighten the gloomiest day. We are reminded that God's wisdom is always available to us.

Most of us do not have the skills that would enable us to tell the difference between a precious gem and a worthless piece of glass. The true beauty of the stone, however, is only appreciated if one studies it carefully. The Church too is a precious jewel. Its beauty and meaning in our life is only appreciated from within. Only by living the Christian life can one discover the radiance of its inner life.

Shakespeare describes peace "as a still and quiet conscience" in which a person is true to God and himself. The promise of Christ in John's Gospel is found in the words: "Peace be with you," addressed to his disciples. Amidst their anxieties, Jesus is reminding them to be true to God's Word and to themselves.

If they trust in him, their hearts will be at rest. To all who desire to enter more deeply into the radiance of God's inner life, Christ promises that he will provide a peace that the world cannot give.

Father Krauser is parochial vicar at St. Cecilia's parish in Manhattan.