THE MISSING PEACE
“As you enter a house, wish it peace…” – Matthew 10:12
On
my way to work, I heard a woman shouting at the top of her lungs inside
her car. She was screaming at the village security guard who stopped
her because she didn’t have a sticker and was asking who she was
visiting. She was clearly upset, and the strain and pain in her voice
told me that the anger was not just about the poor guard’s comment. He
had hit a nerve. As people stopped to watch her outburst, I felt for
her. Maybe she was going through rough times in life. Perhaps her home
is in disarray, the kids are in trouble, or a loved one is dying. As I
walked on, I prayed a Hail Mary for her and wished her peace.
We have no control over what happens outside of us. The world will
always have its share of stresses — an irate customer, an arrogant
driver, a person who curses you out of the blue. The truth is, it’s not
about you. It’s what’s happening inside of them. The only thing we have
control of is our response to the situation. It would be wise to choose
to keep your peace and give the person the benefit of the doubt. The
least we could do is pray for them.
Oh, how the world needs peace — peace from within. May we be bearers of peace in our thoughts and deeds. Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)
Reflection: Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Father,
Your peace is a precious gift. May Your peace descend upon my mind and
heart today and may I share this peace to the hurting. Amen.
St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, pray for us.
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