Peace

Jesus told St. Faustina, “The smallest act of virtue has unlimited value in My eyes because of your great love for Me.” Divine Mercy in my soul # 1489

“My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. These will deprive you of the ability to practice virtue. All temptations united together ought not disturb your interior peace, not even momentarily. Sensitiveness and discouragement are the fruits of self-love. You should not become discouraged, but strive to make My love reign in place of your self-love. Have confidence, My child.” Divine Mercy in my soul # 1488

Peace is drawn from the well of Jesus Christ. This is a deep and never ending well that draws upon sweet water.

When a soul finds true peace in the presence of Jesus, it has found the greatest of all treasures. Wait! What about mercy, knowledge, joy, faith, hope, and even love? Are you saying peace is greater than all of these? Yes, in some ways I am. Peace is both the foundation, and the seed from which all of those gifts draw true power.

Jesus confirms this in John 14:27, when Our Lord says, “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.” When the soul drinks fully of this peace, ALL worldly troubles and attacks drop away. Nothing can pierce the armor of peace enwrapped around a soul.

When the soul truly finds this peace promises by our Lord, nothing is an obstacle.

Have you felt this peace? Mostly, now in our lives, it comes in fleeting glimpses. In a deeply troubling diagnosis or illness, a sense of this peace comes to the soul and the person is strengthened to face the situation in a calm manner that surprises observers. Or, one may lose a job, immediately facing the worries of what will come next. And, suddenly from prayer, this peace settles and the person understands the Lord is in control. The fear washes away.

The closer one draws to God, the more this peace comes and the longer it lasts. Someday, we will rest fully in the arms of Peace Himself. The Prince of Peace looks now to give us this peace. He desires that we live within it now on earth. From this peace may come the ultimate in evangelization – the way we live life in the storm. Others will see this peace beaming brightly as the dawn after a dark night’s storm.

Resting in the peace that Jesus promises means that we know the mercy of God, we are trusting in Him. Our hope grows like a giant within this peace. Our joy blossoms out like a field of brilliant spring flowers. And, the greatest gift blossoms forth from our heart, love. When we find this peace, it is easy to love friend, neighbor, enemy alike. When we find peace, it leads to mercy, knowledge, joy, faith, hope, and love. While mercy, knowledge, joy, faith, hope, and love each lead us to peace.