If we aren’t at peace within ourselves, we often end up recruiting others into our inner battles. That’s why Jesus’ words in this Sunday’s Gospel matter so much: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
True peace doesn’t start “out there.” It begins by making peace with ourselves and before that, making peace with Jesus. Only then can we become people who bring peace into the lives of others.
Like any true peacemaker, we have to face our fears, reject what pulls us away from God, and let Christ define who we are. That’s where real peace is found and where it can finally begin to spread.
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Waiting Like Mary
Ever wonder where the Pope goes on vacation? Castel Gandolfo, a quiet, beautiful place where a statue of Our Lady points to her Immaculate Heart with the words cor meum vigilat: “My heart is ever vigilant” As we enter the First Sunday of Advent, the Gospel calls us to that same posture: be prepared. We don’t know the day or the hour, but Mary shows us the best way to wait. Her whole life was marked by trust. From Jesus’ childhood to His Passion, she remained vigilant, steady, and confident that the Father would take care of everything. This Advent, we’re invited to wait like Mary, with a heart that’s watchful, calm, and full of trust in our Father.
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Gate To Heaven
So, at the end of your life, you get to the gates of heaven, and the person guarding the gates of heaven, either St. Peter or Morgan Freeman, asks you, “Why should I let you into heaven?” And we could have so many answers, like ” because I’m awesome,” ” because I gave much money to the poor,” ” because I went to mass every Sunday,” or “I’m not Voldemort.” We can give many good answers…
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Uncomfortable for Jesus
So Jesus sounds like Yoda for this Sunday’s gospel. He says the foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the son of man has nowhere to lay His head. It sounds cryptic. What Jesus is not saying has anything to do with Airbnb accommodations, but the part of Jesus’ heart that he is sharing with us is that when it comes to following him, sometimes we have to be uncomfortable. I’m very awkward. I have no power…
