Peace be with you

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FrancisBenedict

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PAX!

Peace be with you, not the peace of the world but the peace that Christ brings.

We should be the peace we want in the world.

Think global, act local.

Peace is planted in our hearts and is spread to the whole world by the grace of God.

What do you think? How do you try to do this? Is it possible?
 
We only can do what we can do. I agree with you, wholeheartedly. We also need to remember that God is in charge and we are not. Think globally. Charity toward all. Be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. Act locally. Think of concentric circles like a drop of water in a pond. Act and pray first for family, then parish (neighborhood), then diocese or city, country, world wide. Volunteer locally. Work together with others to do what you yourself cannot accomplish alone. Make sacrifices. Be counter-cultural. Reject the Me-first philosophy. Reject consumerism. My favorite: Live simply so that others may simply live.
 
It is a leap of faith sometimes to fully realize that the actions and attitudes of one single person changes the world. It is the butterfly affect. I find peace in prayer and in daily Mass, I bring that peace home to my husband, my husband in turn takes that peace and transmits it in music. He plays outstanding music for children, for the church, for wedding and funerals and at the local bars. The entire congregation is moved by our music ministry and they in turn go out to their families, work places, friends and recreation activities and bring that spirit to the people around them.

I worked a secular retreat one time. I had the despised job of guarding the door. Everyone felt like it was the most loathsome and boring job. Not me! I could look out the window and see the Catholic church. I thought myself so blessed that I could look upon the temple of my Eucharistic Jesus. In my joy I hugged all the team members as they passed me and gave them encouraging words. At the end of the retreat, the leader (who had no idea who I was) commented that it was the BEST retreat he had had in his 30+ years of giving the retreat. I secretly knew it was because I purposely gave away the love of God in my hugs from my humble door position. Those people who attended that retreat went off to their homes as far as 5 states away.

A few years ago, I fell away for a while into sin and ceased attending Mass daily. Honestly, it seemed like everyone for miles felt the effects of my fall. I had something of a vision or insight which brought me to my knees. It was as though God showed me the affects of my sin not just on myself, but on others and FUTURE generations. All I could do was beg for His mercy and return to Him. As soon as I healed and returned to daily Mass the whole community and extended community seemed lifted up.

I think it is REALLY important to take ownership/responsibility for your part.
 
“Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved.”
– St Seraphim of Sarov.
 
bcuster said:
We only can do what we can do. I agree with you, wholeheartedly. We also need to remember that God is in charge and we are not. Think globally. Charity toward all. Be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. Act locally. Think of concentric circles like a drop of water in a pond. Act and pray first for family, then parish (neighborhood), then diocese or city, country, world wide. Volunteer locally. Work together with others to do what you yourself cannot accomplish alone. Make sacrifices. Be counter-cultural. Reject the Me-first philosophy. Reject consumerism. My favorite: Live simply so that others may simply live.
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