Peace

Peace, more often than not, is confused with harmony. Yet, they are two vastly different things altogether. When countries' delegates engage in peace talks, what they are actually talking about is maintaining harmony between them. They are actually saying, "We're different but so as to maintain the undisturbed routines of our daily lives and not have any disputes that could lead to a disruption of that harmony, we need to close both eyes and remain in this harmonious state of relationship." What is there a need for peace-talks if there is peace on earth? What is there to talk about maintaining a "peaceful" relationship if there's peace already in man's hearts? 

Peace is not given by the world. In its most perfect state, it is still unable to grant peace to us. Because peace is only given in the Holy Spirit. When we enter a place of sacredness and of worship, at times we feel that the place gives us the sense of peace and we are able to pray with more fervent hearts. Can a building give peace? Can a stone bring peace? Even before a holy saint's tomb, can it bring peace? No. Peace comes from the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit is, there is peace. A place is made sacred because the Spirit is present. When we erect a monastery or a building we intend for religious purposes, not every such building illuminates with such peace. When people pray with their hearts and souls, when they invoke the Holy Spirit into their midst, when sincere hearts move the Spirit to be in their presence, and God grants the Holy Spirit, then peace dwells in not just the hearts of these seekers but in the place made holy by the constant prayers of believers. 

Indeed, God wants to give us peace but when we go about our daily lives, especially in fast paced societies, this peace can be lost in a flash. We must fight hard and strong for this peace to always be kept in our hearts. It is a tough fit with all the distractions and frustrations thrown in our every day lives in the aim of robbing us of that peace. It is only through constant and daily prayer, made possible only by commitment and faithfulness to God, can we, by Divine Intervention, have the graces to hold on to this peace. We break the cycle of prayer and we break the peace in our hearts. 

What then is this peace? Have we really experienced what it is or have we only tasted what it is to be in harmony? When we are at peace, we are at peace with everyone around us and with the environment and situations we are in. It does not mean we are happy that life is rosy and thornless but rather, in the midst of a war, in the midst of disagreements, of disappointments, despairing moments and failures, we are still able to be still and know that He is God, the creator and ruler of all, of us; that He is the largest power that controls the stars and planets, the moons and suns. He who knows us better than we ourselves do, the One who we can never lie to or manipulate, the One who waits for us to return to Him. He is the Divine Mercy; the source of love, mercy and forgiveness, the source of life, of healing and of recreation, the mender of brokenness and the healer of sadness. He is the hope in despair and the light in the dark. For He alone knows all things and He alone loves all things. He alone is omnipotent. He alone knows our every need and sin. He alone is the source of goodness and to Him alone, nothing is impossible. His power knows no boundaries; extends beyond the mountains and the universe. He who conquered even death has power to set us free of the bondages of worries and sadness. He can give us peace to settle our weary hearts. If we but seek Him with all our hearts, minds and souls. The Lord of mercy will grant us peace that the world cannot give and cannot take away. We must want it and ask with sincere hearts. Peace is ours.

6 July 2010

6.39pm