Tuesday, 17th February – Tuesday of week 6 of the year

Reflection: Psalm 29: 11

PEACE IS OF THE DIVINE

When God created man, He placed the desire for happiness (peace of soul) in man’s heart. Thus, man never ceases to search for peace of soul; this quest is a desire for God who alone can give man peace. Everyone desires peace yet it is often difficult to know what peace really is and where to find it. In today’s world the search for peace and happiness is the source of all human anxiety and frustration because without peace of soul there cannot be peace in the world. The wars we see are only projections of the conflicts waged inside the soul of men, for nothing happens in the external world that has not first happened within a soul. Peace of soul is a divine trait and can only be found in the divine – in God.

The basic anxiety of life is transcended in three ways, each of which brings Peace of soul that only God can give;

1. By controlling desires: anxiety and frustration are often due to uncontrolled desires. Uncontrolled desires grow like weeds and stifle the spirit. Material possessions bring temporary pleasure but sooner or later a sense of emptiness returns. To control our desires we have to take them to the foot of the cross and lay them down for Christ (Matthew 11:28).

2. By shifting our attention from the flesh to and paying more attention to our souls: Christ admonished us to: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Luke 12:31). Christ did not say “some things” or “many things” rather He said “All…”. Thus, direct your love towards God, and you will receive His peace. Turn away from God, and the heart becomes a broken fountain where tears fall.

3. By increasing our trust in God: God who created us is more than capable to give us rest of mind only if we allow Him. Anxiety comes in each time we try to solve things our own way, but we find peace when we hand it over to God to take charge.

As St. Augustine has said, “Our hearts were made for thee. They are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord. Do you seek peace? Turn to our Lord today!

PRAYER: Lord, please grant me divine peace of mind and body and help me to always have recourse in you in all things. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 281 – Why do we yearn for happiness?
God has placed in our hearts such an infinite desire for happiness that nothing can satisfy it but God himself. All earthly fulfillment gives us only a foretaste of eternal happiness. Above and beyond that, we should be drawn to God.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Come to me, all you who work hard and carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you” Matthew 11:28 CCB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10, Psalm 29:1-4, 9-11, Mark 8:14-21