April 30, 2020 The Peace of the Lord - Father Michael's Words to Live By

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27)

Each Sunday, our liturgy includes a time for the sharing of “the Peace.”  We say to our neighbors, “The peace of the Lord be with you.”  And we respond: “And also with you.”  And so, as we offer this wonderful greeting – we do so in a such a way as to extend the peace of the Lord to others … a peace which passes all understanding. 

Peace has been aptly defined as freedom from disturbance.  Some synonyms that more clearly define peace are words such as tranquility, calm, restfulness, and quiet.   

A THOUGHT TO CONSIDER

Many religions unanimously emphasize that all the peace, wisdom, and joy in the universe are already within us, “An innate gift of God’s grace.”  Therefore, we do not have to gain, develop, or attain them. We are simply like a child standing in a beautiful park with our eyes shut tight. We don't need to imagine trees, flowers, deer, birds, and sky; we merely need to open our eyes and realize what is already here, who we really are and whose we really are – as soon as we quit pretending we're small or unholy. ~ Anonymous

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Oswald Chambers reminds us that, “Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God." 

Lloyd Ogilvie says that “Peace is the result of grace.  It literally means, to bind together.”

In other words, “The peace which comes from unmerited, unearned love can weave and bind our fragmented lives into wholeness.  And the civil war of divergent drives, which makes us feel like rubber bands stretched in all directions, is ended.  God is in control.  He has forgiven the past, He is in charge of now, and shows the way for each new day.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Almighty God, you have freely given us your peace; a peace unlike that which the world offers to us.  Lord, I pray that you will lead us to realize such peace.  Enable all human beings to trust in your living word.  Grant to all your children, a confident faith – a faith that looks to the light rather than at the darkness; a dynamic faith that dares to enter the turmoil and terror of the world, knowing that you desire to accompany us on the journey.  Amen.

ON A LIGHT NOTE: [Back to confession]

The wayward Catholic goes into the confessional box after years away from the Church.  He notices on one side a fully equipped bar with Guinness on tap. On the other wall is a dazzling array of the finest Cuban cigars. Then the priest comes in.  "Father, forgive me, for it's been a very long time since I've been to confession, but I must first admit that the confessional box is much more inviting than it used to be."  The priest replies: "Get out. You're on my side."

Blessings,

Fr. Michael+