The Pursuit of Peace

"Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it."

St. John of the Cross

The one thing that the heart desires and that which the world could never give is peace. So why do we chase after the things of this world as if they could ever attain peace or satisfy our deepest longing? Or as if at the end of our lives these mere phantoms could save us? It is a fruitless and aimless search, the pursuit of peace in a faithless world.

You cannot achieve inner peace apart from Jesus Christ Who is Truth Itself. Peace cannot be created it can only be received. It is a gift from God, therefore peace cannot be created. It can only be found in Him Who is the source of peace.

"Seek peace and pursue it."

Psalm 34:14

Jesus Christ is the most extraordinary and famous Person and Figure in all of history. His preaching captivated and charmed the hearts of the simple folk He preached to in the hill countries of Judea and Galilee and the surrounding areas. His words were so unlike the Pharisees and the Sadducees of His day; His words conveyed a sense of awe and majesty so uncommon among the popular conversation and teaching of the day. These men were allured by His very Presence. "There was a majesty and a grace in His look, and words, and gestures that held them captive."* His preaching has continued to captivate and charm the hearts of men to the present day. His words transmit a peace that pierces the heart, and makes the soul thirst for more. The One Who speaks is Truth Itself, therefore He could never deceive. The recipient of His divine teaching, regardless of who he is, deeply understands this.

"Jesus said to His disciples: 'Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."

John 14:27

Jesus promises peace. This is His free gift to mankind, peace. Then why, you might ask, is there such a great and unequivocal absence of peace in this world? Why is there so much hatred, war and division? To this I would respond, because the world has rejected God. Mankind seeks to destroy the very Image of Christ by murdering the most vulnerable among us, the unborn. Mankind has rejected God and has sought to remove Him from schools, media and every other facet. Mankind does not want God therefore peace is absent. Yet, despite all of this God is merciful; Jesus Christ is Mercy. He is Love and Mercy Itself and will not leave us to our own utter destruction.

"My Heart is overwhelmed, My pity is stirred. I will not give vent to My blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you."

Hosea 11:8

God wants our happiness. He has created the human person to enjoy and be absorbed in His love. He wanted to share His own happiness by creating the human person to share the happiness of His love. If God is love, then we know that everything He ordains and everything that He commands us to do and to follow, can only be for our good. This is why God commands us to both respect ourselves, and our neighbor. By living chaste and modest lives and in accordance with God's command, do we live in harmony with God and man, and in this way do we also attain peace.

Co-habitation before marriage is the "norm" for society. This is contrary to God's law because the two are not as of yet "one flesh". If people truly understood the sacredness and the dignity of marriage, people would save each other for marriage by both respecting living boundaries and their conjugal love.

Transgenderism and everything associated with this brings havoc and chaos to the soul. For all those that support and encourage this, they are deceived and deeply misled. It is a false compassion to support someone living in opposition to God's commands.

Our Lady has warned us that immodest clothing and the sins of the flesh deeply offend God. She had told the three children of Fatima, Sts. Jacinta, Lucia and Francisco that the sins of the flesh are the cause for many people's damnation. Women and men must respect their bodies as truly temples of God by acting as such and by their way of dress.

Every human person is sacred and a gift from God and must be treated with this respect and dignity.

Confession is the instrument God's uses to wash the soul clean from all guilt and sin. By frequent confessions, can the soul be strengthened in peace and obtain special graces to overcome sin. This is the only means for effectual remission of all sin, and the soul who takes advantage of this tremendous grace will soar and enjoy a deep resounding peace.

The Catholic Church is Mater et Magistra; which means Mother and Teacher. She alone embodies the true Presence of Jesus Christ. She alone knows how to nurture and care for the soul. Let us seek to know and truly understand Her teachings so as to follow them with all of our hearts. Then, and only then will we attain the fullness of peace and our hearts will be happy. Let us implore the Blessed Mother, who by the recitation of her Holy Rosary, will obtain peace for the soul along with every grace and blessing.

"He will be their Peace."

Micah 5:5

Mother Mary, Mediatrix of all Graces and Co-Redemptrix, pray for us.

Notes:

Jesus of Nazareth: The Story of His Life Simply Told

By: Mother Mary Loyola