It is one gorgeous Wednesday evening as I gaze out on a western facing sky and a brilliant sunset with good feel air and a gentle breeze. My how we can take the beauty of nature; God's creation, for granted. This quiet yet beautiful evening brings me a moment of peace. Yes, I ponder tonight my peace and I ask myself and I ask each of you, are YOU at PEACE?
We look for peace in all the wrong places don't we? Sounds like the song looking for love in all the wrong places? Peace seems to be absent from the world these days if we simply read the headlines, scan the blogs and social media and watch CNN, MSNBC and even Fox News. No, peace does not come from the bare knuckled vitriol that spews forth from those seeking political office in this, a mid-year election cycle. And peace does not come from those who simply cannot report about horrific things like ebola without assigning blame. And peace does not come from secular media who will interpret even things like an extraordinary Synod of Bishops trying to dialogue about the dignity of family and marriage. And peace cannot possibly come from the continued reality of war and rumors of war and hideous things like ISIS or ISIL or whatever they are called. And peace cannot come by being at war within ourselves, our families and our circumstances. Yes friend, there is plenty and there are plenty who would work overtime to steal your PEACE!
Before something or someone can steal our peace, we must know that we are at peace! Yes, it may be possible that one can be at peace without a relationship with God, belief in Christ as one's savior and without a robust faith life in church. Yes, it is possible. For me, and I hope others, peace comes from God almighty, one of His amazing unmerited gifts. Yes, I am at peace with the peace that passes all understanding, the peace of God that will safeguard my heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7).
With peace from God Himself, how can one lose peace or worse, let someone steal it? Seems impossible but it happens; indeed it happens. It is certainly possible to understand one suffering from a debilitating illness or a terrifying medical diagnosis, or one experiencing financial hardships, perhaps due to a loss of job or a disability, or one burdened from that which is sincere and real, to be at peace or to allow peace to be stolen away. This is a challenge. Still, the answer lies in Jesus who showed us how to keep our peace, even in bad or difficult times. Jesus truly suffered for us in his passion and crucifixion; perhaps He could have avoided it all with a word to the Father or by simply not following through. No, Jesus practiced perfect obedience and fulfilled the Father's perfect will. Despite the pain and the suffering, he was at peace. He knew that by becoming sin, not by being a sinner but because he took on our sins, He was setting us free. Because of Jesus' actions, being and peace, we all can live this life and eternally with Him in Heaven.
But what about everyday living, even if there be drudgery, suffering, anxiety and concern? Well, Scripture tells us that we can unite our suffering with that of the suffering of Christ on the Cross. Often we equate this with physical suffering associated with illness or pain, but I ask; can we unite our fears and anxieties, our difficulties at work or school, anything that could steal our peace; can we unite these things with the sufferings of Christ on the Cross? I think yes! And in that reality we can feel peace, be at peace, no matter what!
So when we are not experiencing pain and suffering, we should be so very aware if we let the simple and everyday-ness steal our peace and examine why. Do we pray, do we reflect, do we glimpse a sunset or a beautiful rose or the explosion of autumn colors? Do we cuddle with our kids and yes, even the pets? Do we, in the middle of the night, watch our spouse as they sleep, taking that next and necessary precious breath? Do we look back at photos in remembrance of our past and do we plan for things future looking?
And where do we place God in all this peace talk? Is he our just, loving and merciful Father? Is Jesus our brother and friend and more, our king and savior? Do we really feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Do I go to Church and more, am I involved in my faith community?
I can share this with each of you; without faith, the Catholic Church, and relationship with the Trinity, God in three persons, it would be so much harder to be at peace and to hold on to my peace.
Let's return to Philippians:
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8).
And since today is the Feast Day of St. Teresa of Avila, try this:
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things pass away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who has God
Finds he lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
Are YOU at PEACE? May peace be with you!
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