A priest once told me that "peace is not the absence of conflict; it is being in right relation with God." This has stuck with me for many years and, in so many situations, has explained why many times, during moments of what seemed like complete chaos in my life, my heart was never troubled.
In his message for the World Day of Peace this year, Pope Benedict XVI stated that "...it is heartening to realize that Christians, as the People of God in fellowship with him and sojourning among mankind, are committed within history to share humanity's joys and hopes, grief and anguish, as they proclaim the salvation of Christ and promote peace for all."
We must continue this peace that the pope sees in us! I sometimes wonder how I, when I don't feel like I'm a good steward of peace, can continue to promote peace. Then I remember those words of the priest I mentioned earlier and am reminded that peace in my life and that which I spread to those around me begins with my relationship with Christ. When I am prideful and weak, the peace of Christ cannot flourish in my life. However, when I have humble confidence in the Lord's merciful love for my soul, peace radiates from me. I can honestly say that I want nothing more than to be a vessel of God's merciful love to the world and if I want to continue "to share humanity's joys and hopes, grief and anguish", then I must first empty myself so that Christ can fill me.
As we begin this new year, having just celebrated the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God and the World Day of Peace, let us reflect on the true source of peace, God himself. Let us continually deny ourselves for the love of souls so as to promote peace throughout the world, beginning with ourselves.
May the Peace and Joy of Christ fill our hearts this new year!
Written by Alycia
