The greatest mistake we humans often make is to become upset and lose our peace. We lose our peace because we want, at any price, to change the people around us. How many married people become agitated and irritated because they would like their spouse not to have this or that fault? The Lord, however, counsels us to bear with patience the faults of others, to try to maintain inner peace. Remember, God is working on that person, and God is being very patient. So, I must pray for that person, be patient with him or her, and be at peace. And hopefully that person is being patient with me.

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Maintain Your Peace

“And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”—Matthew 6:27

We are all familiar with the adage “Haste makes waste.” Well, it’s true. Yet we always seem to be in a hurry, especially if you are a Type-A personality like I am. And sure enough, we often trip over ourselves. Don’t be in such a hurry that you lose your inner peace. It’s bad for your physical and mental health. Whatever you’re trying to do, it’s not as valuable as you and your peace of soul. I try to repeat to myself the counsel of St. Francis de Sales: “Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” For the next few hours, don’t lose your inner peace for anything. Begin now. And begin again if you fall away from that peace.

Prayer: Lord, give me the grace to trust in your divine plan in all things. Amen.

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A Heart at Peace

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:6–7

I think that sometimes good people are too hard on themselves. Their real fault is that they let their inner peace slip away. Big mistake! Without God’s peace we begin to allow demonic thoughts of how bad we are beat us up. The solution comes from this advice from St. Francis de Sales: “Keep your heart open and always in the hands of Divine Providence, whether for great things or small, obtain for your heart more and more the spirit of gentleness and tranquility. The more we abandon ourselves trustingly into his providence will his providence work for us.”

Prayer: Lord, you are the master of peace. You hold my life in your hands, and your love for me is infinite. Let me never doubt your ways and trust always in your Divine Providence. Amen.

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Be an Instrument of Peace

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”—John 14:27

When society is disrupted, we all feel somewhat off balance, fearful, or insecure. The best thing is not to crawl into ourselves. We all have something to contribute. A powerful gift can come from your heart: peace. Only the person who has interior peace can really help his or her neighbor. Your thoughts and actions of love will build up the people around you. How can there be love and peace in my family, neighborhood, or workplace if is not first in my own heart?

You and I will build up those around us today if we pray to God for his love and peace to fill our minds and hearts. St. Francis of Assisi encouraged warring factions to pray, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Pray that prayer now and often. And watch how God answers that prayer for you. Watch how in some way you will become an ambassador of peace.

Prayer: Lord, I know that the world can never know peace without you, our Prince of Peace. Let me always be your instrument of peace. Amen.

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Peace Found in God Alone

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:7

In times of stress and difficulty, these words of wisdom from St. Teresa of Avila can bring deep peace to our souls:

Let nothing disturb you;
Let nothing make you afraid;
All things are passing;
God alone is changeless;
Patience gains all things;
Whoever has God wants nothing;
God alone suffices.

Think about that as you live out this day. God alone is all we really need.

Prayer: Lord, show me that you are enough. Amen.

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