There is nothing I love more than Mass with Colton, our two year old grandson. I especially love when it's time for the exchange of "peace" to those around us. When he notices all of us giving hugs and shaking hands, he jumps into action! He approaches each one of us (mommy, daddy, Papa, Mimi and Savannah) with a grin and a kiss while saying "peace!" Everything is right in the world when this beautiful baby boy looks up at me when it's my turn. God has given us the ability and graces to be examples to those around us, especially our children and grandchildren. Do you make it a point to find peace in your life? It's not always easy to find, but it is right in front of your face!
In todays Gospel (Luke 19:41-44), Jesus wept . . . that's how much He loves us and wishes we live peaceful lives:
As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, 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. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, we are encouraged to remain peaceful always:
"Jesus is grateful to us for every chore and every service. When we unite each action in our day to Him, He uses each action to restore peace in the world by exchanging our willingness and service for heavenly graces. Someone once lamented disunity in parishes, in churches, and between holy organizations. They asked what they could do about it. Well, on any given day, if I mop my floor and prepare meals for my family in a spirit of
cheerful willingness, I am creating unity and harmony between those in other areas of the world. Jesus may use my floor mopping to create peace between two families in Tibet or two warring parish councils. Jesus may use the farmer’s labors to restore unity to a tribe in a remote area we have never heard about or in the city council of our hometown. The lay apostle must believe that his daily service is fueling the renewal. The lay apostle must believe this because it is true. Do not be one who reflects constantly on the dreadful state of the world. It cannot be all that bad as Jesus is here and angels and saints surround us. Earth is an extension of heaven, dear apostles. I know with certainty that Jesus is within me. And I am here, on earth. And earth is God’s creation. So it is wrong to proceed with a long face. There are souls to be loved and services to be performed. Do not reflect constantly on the dreadful state of the world because by doing so one spreads the fruits of darkness, fear and despair. Be one who reflects constantly on the joyful state of heaven. That is our final destination after all and all is well in heaven. All will be well when we arrive there. We are here for a short time and we are given the opportunity to do our little bit to improve matters for others, so, within our precious vocations, let us proceed to do that for Jesus. When we proceed through our lives in unity with Jesus, we have joy, even in hardship. Suffering is quite a different matter when there is a purpose and meaning attached to it."
Lay apostles, I know peace isn't always easy to achieve . . . we all have our triggers. But think about Jesus in the Gospel today weeping . . . and keep that image of Him when someone or something tries to disrupt your calm. Remember, peace is from God. Unrest and chaos is from evil. What do you choose today?
Thank you, Lord, for all the reminders You send me every day to retain my peaceful existence . . . just give me a kick in the pants when I forget!
God bless,
Bonnie
My little bubba Colton!
In todays Gospel (Luke 19:41-44), Jesus wept . . . that's how much He loves us and wishes we live peaceful lives:
As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, 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. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
In Anne a lay apostle's book Climbing the Mountain, we are encouraged to remain peaceful always:
"Jesus is grateful to us for every chore and every service. When we unite each action in our day to Him, He uses each action to restore peace in the world by exchanging our willingness and service for heavenly graces. Someone once lamented disunity in parishes, in churches, and between holy organizations. They asked what they could do about it. Well, on any given day, if I mop my floor and prepare meals for my family in a spirit of
cheerful willingness, I am creating unity and harmony between those in other areas of the world. Jesus may use my floor mopping to create peace between two families in Tibet or two warring parish councils. Jesus may use the farmer’s labors to restore unity to a tribe in a remote area we have never heard about or in the city council of our hometown. The lay apostle must believe that his daily service is fueling the renewal. The lay apostle must believe this because it is true. Do not be one who reflects constantly on the dreadful state of the world. It cannot be all that bad as Jesus is here and angels and saints surround us. Earth is an extension of heaven, dear apostles. I know with certainty that Jesus is within me. And I am here, on earth. And earth is God’s creation. So it is wrong to proceed with a long face. There are souls to be loved and services to be performed. Do not reflect constantly on the dreadful state of the world because by doing so one spreads the fruits of darkness, fear and despair. Be one who reflects constantly on the joyful state of heaven. That is our final destination after all and all is well in heaven. All will be well when we arrive there. We are here for a short time and we are given the opportunity to do our little bit to improve matters for others, so, within our precious vocations, let us proceed to do that for Jesus. When we proceed through our lives in unity with Jesus, we have joy, even in hardship. Suffering is quite a different matter when there is a purpose and meaning attached to it."
Lay apostles, I know peace isn't always easy to achieve . . . we all have our triggers. But think about Jesus in the Gospel today weeping . . . and keep that image of Him when someone or something tries to disrupt your calm. Remember, peace is from God. Unrest and chaos is from evil. What do you choose today?
Thank you, Lord, for all the reminders You send me every day to retain my peaceful existence . . . just give me a kick in the pants when I forget!
God bless,
Bonnie
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