Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, Peace to you & grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples of the earth becomes as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all. Amen Blessed John XXIII
Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you Phillipians 4:9
St. Paul’s was one the greatest evangelist. Saint Paul wrote his poetic letters to the Philippians while in prison, yet his captivity did not dampen his excitement and joy of sharing Christ’s teachings.
These encouraging letters are an authentic testimony of his faith. Saint Paul warmly encourages the Philippians to find contentment in Christ, regardless of their circumstances. He urges them to advance the gospel message through their service, humility, and sacrifice. St. Paul offers his example and urges his readers to turn to Christ teachings to experience Gods peace.
No doubt St. Paul felt the peace of the Holy Spirit as he continued to follow the teachings of Jesus and urged others to do the same.The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that baptism gives us “the power of the Holy Spirit” so that like Paul, we too can bring goodness into the world. The HolySpirit is always working in us, urging us through internal senses to do certain things and avoid others.
But how do we know when the Holy Spirit is guiding us? In my life I have learned to be more aware of the internal promptings I experience, to recognize this as the Holy Spirit guiding me, either to do something or not to do something. An example of this is the sacrament of reconciliation.
We are blessed to have the opportunity to go to confession and have our sins forgiven, even though it may feel scary and it may not be on the top of my list of things I want to do.
Without fail, every time I follow through with the Holy Spirit’s prompting to go to confession, I am filled with God’s peace. Another example is when I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me whenever I am facing a challenging decision or tough choice. I know that I am being led by the Holy Spirit when the decision comes with a sense of peace. What a blessing!
The Holy Spirit is with us, always available, all we need to do is avail ourselves to him. He wants us to know God’s peace so ask him each day to guide you through decisions you are facing, ask for insight when sitting down to read scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to give you a joy that touches everyone you meet!
How can you open your heart to receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the peace that comes from inviting the Holy Spirit into every area of your life?
To Jesus through Mary-Amelia Manness Gilliand
Image by Alyssa Marie Francis
