Finding Peace

By: Ivonne J. Hernandez

Peace… we all yearn for it, yet we look around and don't see it. In our world, in our communities, in our homes, and in our own hearts, we see division; we see strife. 

"As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." (Luke 19:41-42)

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"For he is our peace." (Ephesians 2:14)

I know Jesus is my peace; I have experienced this. Yet, I have also experienced how easy it is to lose sight of Christ and lose my peace. I am also painfully aware of the consequences that come from this. The peace, or lack thereof, in my home, is directly affected by me. 

"Peace is the tranquility of order" (St. Augustine)
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There is a kind of peace we experience when our environment is in order. But, more importantly, the peace we seek begins interiorly. A soul rooted in the love of Christ can find peace amid this chaotic world. Imagine how many of those together can make up a beautiful and peaceful field, a place to rest and breathe. 

"The kingdom of God is… of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. …Let us then pursue what leads to peace and to building up one another." (Romans 14:17,19)
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One of the greatest blessings in our marriage is that we often take turns losing our peace. When one of us is having a rough time, the other, like a lighthouse, points the way back to peace. In those moments, a little love and kindness goes a long way. We know we love each other, so we can give a little pass while the other is having a rough day. I have found that when anger meets meekness, it quickly dissipates.

"The kingdom belongs to the poor and lowly, which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts." (CCC. 534)
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Pride is an enemy to peace. It is the root of all evil. It breeds envy, feeds on fear, and makes neighbors enemies. Fear lies to us and fills us with worries and anxieties. 

"But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." (Matthew 6:31)
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God knows everything we need, and He tells us repeatedly to have no fear. 

"The Kingdom of God draws near in the coming of the Incarnate Word; it is announced in the Gospel; it is the messianic Kingdom, present in the person of Jesus, the Messiah; it remains in our midst in the Eucharist." (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
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Jesus is the peace we seek.

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:6-8)
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Let us pray:

"O my God, Trinity whom I adore, help me forget myself entirely so to establish myself in you, unmovable and peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity. May nothing be able to trouble my peace or make me leave you, O my unchanging God, but may each minute bring me more deeply into your mystery! Grant my soul peace. Make it your heaven, your beloved dwelling and the place of your rest. May I never abandon you there, but may I be there, whole and entire, completely vigilant in my faith, entirely adoring, and wholly given over to your creative action." (Prayer of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity)
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