From the second reading for the
Third Sunday of Advent (Year C): Philippians
4:4-7
. . . Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard
your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
So what is this peace? Have you
experienced it? Can you describe it?
Of course you can’t. This peace
which is given to us who believe defies description because we are limited in
our language, especially when it comes to spiritual things. We don’t have the
words or concepts to speak about it rationally, or logically, or in merely
earthbound terms.
What we do know is that the
peace itself is conditional. There are things we have to do that end up
calling this peace down upon us and within us. The passage from Philippians
lists the requirements for us:
·
Rejoice in the Lord always (even during
those difficult times).
·
Be extraordinarily kind.
·
Be free from anxiety because you know the Lord
is near (=with you in all things). Sit calmly, breathe deeply, feel the anxiety
and then offer it up to God who will touch it and heal it. Focus on the body
sensations you have when you are anxious; imagine the Lord touching those
sensations, and as you breathe deeply, experience them growing fainter and
lighter until they all but disappear. Don’t think about the problem or the
issues: focus you attention on the feelings and the sensation.
·
Ask for things by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving.
God already knows what you need, but it is important for you voice your requests
in your own words.
If you do all these things, then
you will know that peace which surpasses all understanding. Give thanks for it.
Don’t try to explain it to anyone else, or even to yourself: simply rest in it.
When you emerge from this
meditative process, you will be better able to face the things you have to face
in your life, and you may perhaps even be given insight about what you are to
say or do.
I can’t say any more about it. I
don’t have the language to do that. But I do what I can do in my own imperfect
way. I pray that the suggestions I make will inspire you to make yourself ready
to receive that peace. Just remember: on this third Sunday of Advent, the color
is pink, not purple, for this a day given to us that we may rejoice.
Blessed Advent to you.
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