Padre Pio once said, “Peace is the simplicity of heart, serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, the bond of love.” Notice that not one of those things depends on our circumstances.
True peace comes when we abandon our minds and hearts to God. Our Blessed Mother gave us the perfect example. Asked to trust what she could not yet understand, she simply said, “Yes.” Totally Yours.
Simeon and Anna show us what happens when hearts speak to Jesus with love and longing. They had waited most of their lives. When the moment finally came, the Holy Spirit led them straight into His presence.
We too should pray: “Jesus, I love You. Lead me by Your Spirit into Your presence.”
Our eyes stay fixed on Jesus. He was born for us. His destiny was the Cross. His purpose was love. And His reason is you.
Jesus is God's gift to us. He speaks to each heart: “I love you. You are precious in My eyes.”
In His presence, we discover tender love. Let us give Him our hearts, and then carry His mercy and peace out to others.
Life is marked by struggle, but our hope remains in God. We commit ourselves to loving God fully and to loving our neighbor as Christ loves us.
Peace begins in the heart, through humility, forgiveness, and love. We ask God for the gifts of peace, courage, and wisdom. With Mary, we say: “Yes. I am totally Yours.” “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
Because of Jesus, we have a peace beyond understanding.
Because of Jesus, we have a joy that cannot be taken away.
Because of Jesus, we have nothing to fear.
Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all.
St. Teresa of Calcutta said it simply: “Be only all for Jesus.” May we do the same.
How often we have sung that beautiful hymn, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” We sing it easily enough. The hard part is the last two words. Not somewhere else, and not with someone else. With me.
Let it begin with me.
By Monsignor Aloysius Callaghan, Rector and Vice President Emeritus, St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity of the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn.
Photo of artwork at St. Christopher Catholic Newman Center, Kutztown University by Norm Steinruck.
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