Word for Word 10/12/22

Father John Moser
Father John Moser

Gathered at the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus said to them: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. So let not your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Oh, how our hearts and the world we live in today desire peace. I have learned that peace begins within oneself. Here are some exercises to seek and to achieve peace in your heart and your life.

1. Sit quietly for five minutes with eyes closed and nothing to distract you. Say to yourself every 30 seconds “Peace”. Allow this single word to resonate from your head to your feet and deep within your heart.  2. Sit quietly for four minutes with eyes closed and nothing to distract you. Say to yourself every 30 seconds: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”  3. Sit quietly for three minutes with eyes closed and nothing to distract you. Think of one person you know who is suffering or troubled. Say a prayer for this person and then reach out to them to say “I’m thinking of you and praying for you.”  4. Sit quietly for four minutes with eyes closed and nothing to distract you. Think of one way you might resolve an ongoing conflict with a family member, friend or neighbor. You might enlist someone to help you with coming up with one creative idea or approach.  5. Sit quietly for five minutes with eyes closed and nothing to distract you. Then share with one or two persons via email, text, tweet or phone your growing and deepening sense of peace.

PEACE be with you.

Father John Moser
St. Patrick Catholic Church Waukon
St. Mary Catholic Church Hanover and Dorchester