It seems to me a true sense of peace comes when we accept the circumstances of life for what they are, giving up our attempts to control them, and surrendering them to the Lord. Peace comes in understanding God will provide what is good for us in spite of how things may seem or how the world may try to give it to you. Peace comes in trusting God in all things.
I don’t recommend going out to study other religions, but there is a story from Taoism that I think illustrates the trust that we should have in the Lord as the circumstances of our life change.
Once upon a time there was a farmer whose horse ran away. That evening, all of his neighbors visited him to commiserate, saying, “We’re so sorry to hear your horse has run away. This is most unfortunate.” To which the farmer simply replied, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
The next day the horse came back bringing seven wild horses with it, and in the evening, everybody came back and said, “Oh, how fortunate! What a great turn of events. You now have eight horses!” The farmer again simply said, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
The following day the man’s son tried to break one of the wild horses, and while riding it, he was thrown and broke his leg. The neighbors came again and said, “Oh dear, we’re so sorry to hear about your son’s leg. That’s truly unfortunate.” The farmer simply responded, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
The next day a military officer came to the farm looking to draft young men into the army, and upon seeing the boy’s broken leg, he left the farm allowing the boy to stay with his father. Again all the neighbors came around and said, “How fortunate you are that you can keep your son! Isn’t that great!” Again, the farmer simply said, “Maybe yes, maybe no.”
We see in this parable a way that we can approach the circumstances of our life, trusting in Divine Providence. As the seemingly endless tango of “fortunate” and “unfortunate” circumstances come our way, how do we react?
Do we react out of pride and perhaps even gluttony when we come into “fortunate” circumstances? Do we react out of fear, anxiety, and anger when we encounter “unfortunate” circumstances?
In the “fortunate” circumstances, I suggest we try to respond with “Thy will be done” through a sentiment of gratitude. For the “unfortunate” circumstances, we can still endeavour to respond with “They will be done”, perhaps through the lens of acceptance. We can simply trust in God’s Divine Plan to run its course. Trust in God’s plan that it will all turn out for the good, for the fulfillment of His will. We can still try to have an attitude of gratitude for the “fortune” that can come out of the “unfortunate” circumstance, God willing.
I say this knowing full well it isn’t easy to put into practice. Some of us are facing very real situations. I know some in this parish are facing unexpected career loss. I know some in this parish are facing cancer and other serious illnesses and injuries. I know some in this parish are facing major grief over the loss of a spouse, another family member, or a close friend. I know some in this parish are facing serious, serious relationship issues.
Jesus knows this. In the midst of this, He encourages you today to not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. He wants to meet you where you hurt. He wants to give you His peace. Do you trust God is present in the “unfortunate” circumstance of your life? Do you trust God can bring a greater “fortune” out of any “unfortunate” circumstance?
Whatever the “unfortunate” circumstance is in your life that the evil one is using to rob you of your peace, surrender it now. Surrender it to the Lord as part of the offertory of this Mass. Surrender it to the Lord and do not give it a second thought. It is through the Paschal Mystery that all things are restored, including the peace Jesus gives to us.
When you receive the Eucharist today, receive the peace of Christ. Receive the peace of Christ that brings you to completeness, that brings you to wholeness, that brings you to holiness. Accept the peace of Christ. Accept the love of Christ.
For truly, the glorious splendor of the Kingdom of the Sacred Heart is before you in the peace of Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God!
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