Reflection
for Lent 2024
Find Peace in me.
As I walk
into the desert with faith, even though my heart can sometimes be restless, and
my mind often wanders away from the one who strengthens me with joyful hope and
patience. However, I have embarked on a Lenten journey to promote and spread
peace, light, and strength for myself, for others and for the whole world.
Like many
others I ask the question will there ever be peace in this world? For peace is
a basic right of every human being that lives and breathes on this earth. So,
why can’t there be peace in the world?
Where
does peace begin? Peace begins within our homes; in the way we act towards one
another and in the way we speak to one another. As adults we are examples to
our children in creating environments that are safe and peaceful. I am not quite sure who wrote the following,
but it is a popular proverb and one for our times. “If it is yours, do not take
it, if you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all and if it’s
not right, then don’t do it.” We are examples of peace, and our children model
our behavior, and actions. How can we teach peace and expect children to be
respectful when adults are at war with each other and there is no peace or
respect obvious to see.
I love
the prayer to St. Francis especially the beginning “Lord, make me an instrument
of your peace.” Peace is something special that we all seek and would like to
acquire in this world and as a mother I would love my children to live in a
world of peace and in fact I would love the whole world to live in peace.
As mother
Teresa says, peace begins in our homes and with a smile.
This
Lenten journey I am challenging myself and I would like to help others to grow
closer to God and to experience his peace, a peace he can only give. Peace is a
special gift, and it is never far from us, and I am reminded of that when I
read John chapter 16 verse 33, “I have told you all this so that you may find
peace in me. In the world you will have trouble but be brave: I have conquered
the world.” Yes, there will be suffering in this world we live in but we are always
to remember God is with us always and so is his peace so we must be brave and
look to Jesus the one who conquered the world and one day we will too. Every day when we walk in the land of the
living the Lord walks with us and we are encouraged to be strong and courageous.
I pray
that we may find peace within ourselves and with others this Lent because peace
is ours the closer, we grow to God. God Bless Always.
Written and
created by Katie Robinson
