Someone made a comment last week that had me reflecting on peace. Beyond a felt sense of calm and stillness, or an experience of inner serenity, peace is, for me, emotional stability and the ability to deal with stress in an intentional manner that predictably promotes harmony and brings life, without sacrificing my own integrity and dignity.
Inner peace comes with a healthy amount of self-awareness, self acceptance, and self-respect. I know who I am, what my giftings and limitations are, and I accept and love myself for who I am, and where I am at (in this particular season of life). This, then, enables me to walk in this world governed by clear principles founded on my Christian faith. This helps me be at peace with my daily choices and decisions, by doing what Christ had done, and would continue to do.
Sure, apple carts are upset occasionally, storms do stir up something fierce, but nothing that can destroy my peace for long. Instead of reacting in despair, I can take it in prayer, and consequently respond in a manner that is measured and deliberately positive. I am not out to win any popularity contests, so if someone doesn’t like me or my actions, it’s their problem. I will not stop doing what I know to be the right thing to do. I will put ego and self-interest aside, and diligently pursue actions that opt for the greater good.
I found this weekend’s readings apt. Peace is something that Jesus came to give us, a peace the world cannot give. In the first reading from Zechariah 9:9-10, the prophet tells us that our king is victorious, but humble, for He comes riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Despite this rather incongruous picture of power, He will proclaim peace for the nations, and His message will reach the ends of the earth. This Scripture tells me to proclaim the Lord’s peace as humbly as I can, and to not be afraid to promote it unceasingly.
We get a clearer picture of how to attain this peace ourselves in Saint Paul's letter to the Romans (chapter 8, verses 9, 11-13): focus on the spiritual, that is, the awareness that each of us has the Spirit of Christ living is us. If we celebrate this knowledge, then we can also celebrate that we have life through Christ, not just eternal life, but the ability to live this life with radical self-giving; a pouring out of our lives for the Lord in love and service.
Finally we are given the gospel from Matthew, chapter 11, verses 25-30. Revelations (and wisdom) come to little children, not the learned or the clever. If I centre myself to Jesus, and I rely on Him as a child does, with child-like trust, then I can know Him, and my Father, and I will also get to know their will for me. Should I choose to exercise their will for me, then, nothing can faze me in life, for He will give me the necessary gumption.
His promise to each one of us who labour and are overburdened is rest in our souls, especially if we take upon ourselves His yoke. Jesus promises an easy yoke and a light burden which does not literally translate into a life of ease or easier options, but rather His yoke will bring peace of mind, and the ability to see difficult times through with a lighter spirit. If I am led by the Holy Spirit, who is gentle and humble of heart, then I know I will always act in the best possible way that will bless others, and eventually bless myself. Eternal life here I come.
Thank you Father Karol for this final piece of advice today: we can ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen our wills so that we can live according to the Spirit. In Christ’s peace.
