Monday, May 19, 2014

The Peace of Salvation is Yours


By Beth DeCristofaro

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.  (John 14:27)

Piety
You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me still
You are my love, keep me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Saviour this very day.
“You are God,” Celtic prayer

Study
There is a TV ad which shows a man, over loaded with things he is carrying and wheeling a piece of luggage, climbing a stopped escalator.  Of course he begins to overbalance, the suitcase gets caught and springs open spilling his belongings down the staircase.  I so relate to him as he tries to pick up clothing with hands already filled and the suitcase threatening to tumble all the way down.  Except if it was me on that stairway it would be rush hour at Rosslyn Metro and hundreds of commuters would be hurrying by annoyed that I am blocking the “fast lane” of the escalator.

Sometimes I feel that indeed I am trying to carry too many things.  Peace eludes me.  I often worry about things.  I hold on to disappointment that I did not get that job I hoped for so I feel stuck.  I carry sadness over the many horrific news stories that I hear.  I harbor frustrations over co-workers or family inadequacies that impact me (or so I think).  I fear what others might think of me or myriads of threats to life and limb.  I use energy to rationalize.  I judge.

Jesus continually looked at others with love.  By accepting that I am not frustration, disappointment, sadness and the rest, by knowing that I am loved so deeply that I need not bother rationalizing or judging others who are deeply loved, I can empty my hands.  In letting go of my burdens I trust and accept Jesus’ immense promise of peace.  I can live with empty hands, open to receive and share God’s love.

Action
The next time you find yourself unsettled, not at peace, take a moment to realize the source of the ill at ease.  If it is another person, look again within and that which is responding to the other.  Ask Jesus for his loving assistance in giving over the urge to be in charge.  Open yourself to the healing of peace.  Repeat, many times each day as necessary.  

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