Week 6 devotional
Mike Geide
Fr. Peter opened his Homily last week with “the world is a mess” … there are countries at war, droughts, wildfires, poverty, political divide, racism, food insecurity … the list goes on. But there is Hope … through a simple act of Charity from a child, Jesus converted 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed all who were hungry. The theme for this week is “Peace” – not just an end to warring nations, but also the wars we wage in our own lives … against others, against ourselves, and against God’s will.
In last week’s devotional on “recovery,” Matthew 11 was mentioned: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
We carry some heavy burdens with us: fear, worry, anxiety, doubt, stress, guilt, shame, grudges, anger, depression, addiction, perfectionism, sickness … the list goes on. Think about how the Apostles felt after Jesus’ crucifixion – they were all intensely stressed, sad, depressed, and hiding in fear; Peter has shame from denying Jesus 3x; Thomas has his doubts, again the list goes on. Of all the ways Jesus could have greeted the Apostles on Easter Sunday, he chose four simple words: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).
When our burdens are the focus in our lives, we are distracted from Jesus; or worse, we might be too proud or ashamed to invite Jesus into our lives. Both Peter and Judas carried some heavy burdens; Judas in his shame took matters into his own hands whereas Peter gives over to Jesus, re-affirming Him 3x: “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.”
Instead of bearing your burdens alone, or waiting and hoping that there will be a less messy time to invite Jesus in; Jesus wants to be brought in now - trust Him with your mess, trust that He loves you no matter what you carry, and that if you give them over to Him your souls will be lightened.
A slight tangent- Pope Francis has a replica of the 18th century German painting of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots in his study. It is a beautiful painting and I encourage you to look it up in your free time- it providers a reminder that through the intercession of Mary, she can aid and undo the knots that suffocate, torment, and impede us from Jesus- the Prince of Peace.
The Catechism (paragraph 2304) uses St. Augustine’s definition, “Peace is ‘the tranquility of order.’ Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity” … meaning that once you turn your burdens over to Jesus, He will “work” in you to bring things back into His “order.” Jesus told Peter to “Feed and Shepherd My Sheep” (John 21:15) … directing Peter to bring “order” back to Jesus’ scattered and scared flock. Achieving “peace” is an on-going process and involves intention and action; for example, acts of repentance and acts of mercy to right injustices and sufferings. In the Beatitudes, Jesus specifically calls attention to “peacemakers” – “Blessed be the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
In Jesus’ farewell discourse that He gave to His Apostles before His crucifixion, He said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Before our run today, reflect and identify a burden in your life, what troubles your heart, what are you afraid of, what do you desire tranquility toward, what is out of “order” with Jesus … try to be specific; giving this burden a specific name or phrase that identifies what it is. Bria & Silas have handed out some river rocks … imagine your burden as this stone … it adds weight to your run, adds distraction, and serves no purpose. In a workout video that I frequently use, the trainer says during the workout, “If you find tension in your body where you don’t need it, get rid of it…” During today’s run you are going to run the first half with the stone in your hand, then you will give it over to Jesus - setting it down wherever you are and run the return distance unburdened. During this process, open yourself to the tranquility of Jesus’ order and the work that He wants to do through you to achieve it. Peace be with you!
