We are in the Second Sunday of Advent, which invites us to listen once more to the voice of John the Baptist calling in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!” This Sunday reminds us of the gift of peace which only Jesus, the Prince of Peace, can give us.
For Christ’s presence, and therefore his peace, to reign in our hearts, we must make a deliberate effort to cultivate peace. We need to invite God into our daily lives through prayer, through small acts of love, through a kind word spoken to someone who needs to hear it, through forgiveness and reconciliation. Peace is built upon these choices; it does not come about by chance.
The peace of Jesus is not a guarantee that we will be spared confusion or trouble, but the certainty that he will always be with us. Peace comes from knowing that God is with us: Emmanu-el.
During this Advent, let us strive to practise actions that may seem simple, yet through them we can cultivate peace.
St George Preca offers us some advice on how to cultivate peace in our hearts:
- Quickly dismiss any thought that disturbs you, for it does not come from the God of Peace.
- Keep order in everything, so that order may keep you in peace.
- Cherish silence both in your thoughts and in your speech.
- Pray to God to grant you peace always, for only the Lord makes true peace.
- Avoid anxiety and do not dwell on what you might have done or what might have happened.
- Keep in mind that everything in this world passes: joy and sorrow, suffering and delight.
Every small gesture you make becomes like a stone laid on the path which the Lord will walk upon to enter your heart and grant you his peace.
St George Preca teaches us: “Exchange the peace of your heart for no one and for nothing.”
Prayer
Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace and my peace! Renew my heart so that it may be open to your grace! Reign in it and make me an instrument of your peace in my family, in my workplace, and wherever we may be!
