(Based on book “Searching for and Maintaining Peace” by Fr. Jacques Philippe)
Spiritual War
Constant – Consistent – Considerably painful
This war is not only against
Temptation – evil – sin – Satan
What do I mean?
One can lose BATTLES, but…
Still win the WAR
To sin is to lose a BATTLE, but…
To regain Christ’s Peace in me
Is to win the WAR
To indulge temptation is to lose a BATTLE, but…
To restore Christ’s Peace in me
Through contrition, confession, absolution, and penance
Is to win the WAR
Jesus calls Satan “father of lies” – “thief” – “murderer” (John 10:10)
Our enemy’s goal
Is to steal and murder our peace
His main weapon: lies
Why this strategy?
He knows that the Holy Spirit can work
In us…
And through us…
ONLY when our heart is peaceful
Consider the sun’s reflection
On a calm lake
The sun’s image is reflected well
On a disturbed lake
The sun’s image is reflected poorly
The more we’re peaceful
The better the Son’s image is reflected in us
The better the Son can act through us
God only speaks and acts in peace
Elijah found God on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19)
Not in the wind
Nor in the earthquake
Nor in the fire
But in the “gentle breeze”
If we try to fix our problems
Satan will steal our peace
If we pray and wait for God to fix them
We shall be saved
“For thus said the Lord God…
‘In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’” (Isaiah 30:15)
Seek His peace in the Eucharist
Seek transforming peace through the Transubstantiation
Seek comforting peace in Confession
Seek reconciling peace in forgiveness of neighbor
Seek His Face (Psalm 24:6) within you
Smiling upon you
With Unconditioned – Accepting – Peace-giving Love
“The Peace of the Lord be with you always!”
Rhymes for the Rejoiceful 