Monday of the 7th Week of Eastertide
Acts 19:1-8
Jn 16:29-33
“…so that you may find peace in me.”
Peace — something that the world needs right now. Loads of it. One could argue that we are suffering as a result of centuries of strife and wars and that the current generation of world leaders are not helping at all. And no matter how far back one goes, there will always be someone who says, “Ah. But that was a consequence of something else that happened much earlier…” But, I am no political scientist (even though I studied it in university). All I know is that if we don’t start to make our own individual stand against injustice and hatred now, we will be ‘kicking the can down the road’ for other generations to ‘deal with it’.
You might ask, how does one find peace in this fragmented, ‘win at all costs’, push-button world of instant gratification where the stronger/louder/meaner person tends to come out on top? After all, it is a reality that many of us face in order to ‘look good’ in front of the boss, to get that promotion/pay raise, or to get a good bonus so that I can put food on the table (especially with the rising costs of most daily necessities due to the war in Russia).
As Catholics, we are extremely blessed to be able to visit Jesus in adoration chapels in our parishes. And I have made it a point to be available for Him at regular rosary sessions since the adoration chapel opened up at the Catholic Spirituality Centre this year. Amidst my busy weekday schedule, I have found much strength and sustenance through praying the rosary daily, and committing to praying together with my ministry. And it is in the silence where He speaks to me that makes everything else I am feeling seem ‘negligible’. Because no matter how tough my week gets, that one hour given to Him transcends all worry and at the end, I emerge lighter, emboldened and empowered to face anything that comes my way.
Brothers and sisters, whatever we are suffering at the moment, God wants to assure us that He is there for us and will help us overcome, no matter how big or small the challenge. All He asks is for us to just sit with Him and seek Him in the silence of our hearts. It is never easy to remain still and quieten ourselves, especially if we are always time-pressed. But the Lord thirsts for us to bring our troubles to Him in prayer. As Jesus said to his disciples: “In the world you will have trouble, but be brave: I have conquered the world.”
You will be surprised how devoting 15 to 20 minutes each day will open your hearts up to the saving graces of our loving, heavenly Father.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Thanksgiving: We thank you, Holy Spirit, for the gift of peace in our hearts. Fill us with the desire each day to seek a few minutes of your peace, so that we can be nourished and filled with the peace that the world cannot give.
OXYGEN 
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