Pastors Notes from 01/01/2023
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January 4, 2023World Day of Peace was inaugurated by Pope Paul VI in 1968, to be annually recognized on the first day of each new year, together with the feast of Mary the Mother of God. His common plea—“If you want peace, work for justice”—contributed to his desire to re-affirm our efforts as Christians at the beginning of each new year to strive for an equilibrium of peace within our personal lives, our relationships, within community and in the world. Continuing the Christmas message we heard from the prophet Isaiah (9:6): “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. . . .And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. During this season of Christmas, the first of the new year has traditionally been set aside a holy day, Mary the Mother of God. Fittingly, Pope Paul VI appointed the first day of the new year, the feast of Mary crowned the Queen of Peace, as the World Day of Peace. With all the personal resolutions we traditionally set for ourselves with the New Year why not one for peace—within our personal lives, relationships, our community and world wide. Mother Teresa gives us a simple foundation for the attainment of peace.
The fruit of silence is prayer;
the fruit of prayer is faith;
the fruit of faith is love;
the fruit of love is service;
the fruit of service is peace.
Let us not use bombs and guns to overcome the world. Let us use love and compassion. Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don't really want to smile at; do it for peace. Let us radiate the peace of God and so light His light and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men all hatred and love for power.
Today, if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other--that man, that woman, that child is my brother or my sister. If everyone could see the image of God in his neighbor, do you think we would still need tanks and generals? Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need for every family to have joy. The poor must know that we love them, that they are wanted.
They themselves have nothing to give but love. We are concerned with how to get this message of love and compassion across. We are trying to bring peace to the world through our work. But the work is the gift of God.
Mildred Norman, known as Peace Pilgrim, walked the path of life in our country as an activist for peace and spiritual well being and healing. She picks up the mantel of Mother Teresa, advocating for each of us, through our Christian faith, to seek the balance of inner peace within our responsibilities, challenges and relationships.
Few find inner peace but this is not because they try and fail, it is because they do not try.
The spiritual life is the real life; all else is illusion and deception. . . .It is not important that others be noticeably affected: results should never be sought or desired. ~ Judging others will avail you nothing and injure you spiritually. Only if you can inspire others to judge themselves will anything worthwhile have been accomplished. ~ When you look at things emotionally, you will not see them clearly; when you perceive things spiritually, you will understand. ~ There are many lessons to be learned and scales to be balanced. [God’s] laws of the universe cannot be altered for one's convenience. Humanity must learn to accept everything that life offers as a learning experience. ~ If you give your life as a prayer, you intensify the prayer beyond all measure. Although others may feel sorry for you, never feel sorry for yourself: it has a deadly effect on spiritual well-being. ~ Recognize all problems, no matter how difficult, as opportunities for spiritual growth, and make the most of these opportunities. ~ To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life--bringing into alignment your [Christian] beliefs and the way you live--then, and only then, can you begin to find inner peace. (Her Life and Work in Her Own Words).
Blessings on your New Year, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,
and let every new year find you a better man.” (Benjamin Franklin)