Personal peace

The time came when Jesus wept over Jerusalem, knowing that its fate was going to be annihilation and total destruction. He lamented, and he said something that I’d like to leave with you for today’s reflection:

“If this day you only knew what makes for peace.”

He was speaking of the people’s refusal to turn to him and to believe in him and the things he had taught them. And, of course, that is a good place for us to start as well. Do we believe that Jesus is the One who brings true peace? Do we believe it deeply enough? Do we believe it so much that it has an effect on the way we think and on our behavior as well? Or do we reserve certain aspects of our lives as separate from what we say we believe? Do we withhold? Do we prevaricate? Are we sometimes of two minds and two faces?

These are difficult questions, and, just like everything else that is difficult, we can only find the answers by turning to the Lord and asking him to help us see what we have not yet been able to see.

Do we have the energy or the courage to do that? In each and every aspect of our lives? Or do we have to say “not yet, Lord,” “give me more time.”?

Or let’s make it a bit easier, especially if you are one of those who consider yourself a beginner in the spiritual life. (After all, these reflections are meant for you, not for the experts.) Anyway, for you, I offer just a few questions to guide you on your search for the peace that Jesus brings:

·         Is there something you are ignoring or not being honest about?

·         Is there some good you could be doing that you are not doing (sins of omission)?

·         Where in your life is there no peace? Have you asked Jesus to touch it?

·         Is there anything going on in your life that you would rather God not notice?

·         If Jesus said to you today, “What do you want me to do for you?” how would you answer.

God bless you.