Peace is often a misunderstood word in our culture. I say this as I sit on my front porch breathing in the scent of spring lilacs and a soft spring breeze. This moment feels very peaceful.
And yet why, when I step back into my home where dishes, laundry, deadlines and a chorus of “Mom, can you help me?” await, does that feeling dissipate so quickly? I think it’s because the peace that we crave is the peace we were created for.
We are just so easily placated with a glimmer of peace that this world offers. Jesus reminds us that His peace is “Not as the world gives … ” If this momentary breath of lilacs calms my soul, how much more will the breath of the Holy Spirit?
The peace that Jesus speaks about in today’s gospel reflection is the peace that anchors the soul and binds us to heaven. It is the peace that in every storm reminds us of who we are and whose we are.
That peace is not fleeting. It is a living steadfast gift, and when we cling to it, our hearts are drawn upward to a Lord that desires our good and is advocating for us always. So when The Lord reminds us to not be troubled and not to worry, it is because He is for us. He hears our hearts. He knows the intentions that we carry in the very depths of our hearts. The peace He offers is healing.
Living our life in this peace is a beautiful witness of evangelization. As a homeschooling and working mom of eight kids, two in wheelchairs, I am often asked how I manage it all. The truth is, of course, that I do not. It is controlled chaos at its best moments, but gratitude is a constant theme through it all.
Recognizing the depth of grace offered in clinging to God’s peace is my answer. I cling to the heavenly rope of His peace that is offered every moment. In our strong and in our weak moments, His peace is there to calm us.
I think it is important to recognize that this is not a constant for me. The grace is, but there is a tendency to get distracted by the peace the world offers, a nice meal out, a new outfit, a freshly planted garden where all looks in order. Oh, how I love order. Oh, how fleeting order in family life is!
Maintaining peace in family life is an evangelization miracle. The evangelization comes in the ability to trust that God is working within the lives of all whom I hold dear. So when schedules are challenging, differing opinions are volatile, sleep is minimal, hearts are hurting, health is compromised, and/or work is stressful, we must visibly breathe in the peace of Christ.
Modeling is critical here. I often pause in a tense or explosive moment, realizing that even my older kids or guests in our home are watching. I take a moment to recollect myself, call forth the peace that has been given to me by the Lord for these very moments. This peace does not solve the crisis but softens it every time. We might table the discussion. I might decide this is a “less of me and more of the Lord” moment, or I might say “Tell me more,” listening rather than inserting my opinion.
I am learning that breath is taken when we pause and my hope is that the air that people breathe in my home is the very spirit of Christ flowing through my home. It is His peace that calms and permeates wounded hearts, turning our gaze heavenward. Some with a clearer view than others but nevertheless looking, wondering, thanking.
St. Augustine is quoted as saying, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.” Lord, let your peace break through the thin and quick peace this world offers. Thank you for the beautiful depth of peace you bring into our lives. Help us to be living witnesses, trusting and clinging to the grace Your peace provides in all moments.
This article also appeared at the Catholic Times.
