Peace In Our Hearts

Peace can come in many forms. When we speak of peace for our world, we typically mean a world free from war and conflict, or at least a world where conflict is mitigated and resolved as quickly as possible with the minimal loss of life.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of peace while quoting St. Augustine, as the “tranquility of order” (CCC, no. 2304).

But there is also peace of the heart, an inner peace; a peace that cannot be robbed by the world, the flesh, or the devil. This is the peace spoken of in this Sunday’s second reading:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

When I read this passage, I can’t help but feel calm. Here are a few phrases that stood out for me:

“If there is anything worthy of praise”

Too often, it is easy to think negatively or nitpick the flaws of other people or situations. We may find fault with a lot of things in the world, and rightly so; but we also find many things worthy of praise. To seek within the darkness of life and see the beautiful things that exist, and to praise God for such beauty, that is a wonderful thought to behold. I love how this passage asks to look for anything that can be found worthy of praise; to look for it, even if it isn’t immediately obvious it is there.

“Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

This passage is very clarifying on our priorities in life. Simply, to take what we have learned and continue to learn in our faith, and to do it. The God of peace is with us in our journey. Many times, I’ve felt uneasy due to family conflicts or national news, but when I am in Eucharistic Adoration, praying and reviewing my role in life and the truths I have learned, I feel this inner renewal that things will work out in the end.

Let us continue to reflect on this passage of clarity, thanking God for the beautiful gift of peace.

An Invitation to a Peaceful Place

There are several areas to discover peace at Pilgrim Center of Hope. Formerly a religious convent, these seven acres nestled in northwest San Antonio, TX offer unique space for prayer, small groups, or personal pilgrimage. Jesus waits in Gethsemane Chapel; prayer pamphlets and Stations of the Cross are available for you! Learn about the saints, pilgrimage sites, and venerate holy relics.

Our Gethsemane Chapel is available for personal prayer during regular business hours (9am-5pm). It is named for the Garden of Gethsemane, where our founders discerned God’s call for their lives. This humble chapel is home to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Stations of the Cross line the walls containing small fragments of the Station in Jerusalem, along the Via Dolorosa where Christ carried the Cross. A few precious relics as well as sacred art are also housed in this chapel.

Everyone is encouraged to come experience what Pilgrim Center of Hope has to offer! Contact us at 210-521-3377 or ministry@pilgrimcenterofhope.org for more information.

Daniel Quintero is a newlywed husband, writer, and avid karaoke singer. He currently attends Prince of Peace Catholic Church where he volunteers in the lector ministry and with faith formation. His favorite motto: “Awkwardness does not exist.”