Peace Be With You

04-07-2024Gospel ReflectionAlexis Dallara-Marsh

Chapter 20 of the Gospel of John emphasizes Peace and the Holy Spirit abiding within us. Christ's first word following His death is "Peace". I do not find that I am naturally a peaceful person. I tend to get easily distracted and upset by life not being "fair", or agitated when things do not go exactly as I had planned. I am flawed. Yet so much greater than this is that I am also loved. Above all else, Christ has laid down his life for me. I owe it to Him to do my best to try to find an inner peace. It is often a battle. My mind races at night, dwelling on what might go wrong. It is by listening to the word of God that I calmed down and am reminded of who I really am. Through dedicating my time to Him in prayer and good deeds, He will rejuvenate me, like the Living Water He declares to the Samaritan woman.

Again and again we must acknowledge that the Holy Spirit resides in each of us, guiding us, and that in each passing moment we can become more like Christ. Pope Benedict XVI explained, "Every person carries within himself, a project of God, a personal vocation, a personal idea of God, on what he is required to do in history to build His Church, a living temple of His presence.” I have a calling, a reason for why God has created me, I was chosen for this life to share God's glory with those around me. We may not always know where we belong or how each passing moment might unfold. While I may not be at peace on my own accord, with God's grace, He will remain in me as a source of peace through the Holy Spirit. He will help me find the way.

"Loving God, please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled heart. My soul is like a turbulent sea. I can't seem to find my balance so I stumble and worry constantly. Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me". - Author Unknown.