LET US NOT REJECT THIS GIFT
“When I only think of myself, attract my attention to someone else.” (Mother
Teresa)
It is written many
times in Scripture that Jesus greeted the disciples with the words, "Peace
be with you." Reflection on these words might draw us to the thought that
Jesus must think peace is a very important gift for us to receive. We yearn to
live in peace on a national level and throughout the world. If we all lived in
peace, imagine what a different place this world would be!
The Easter Season
isn't only a time of celebration; it is also a time to reflect on the
self-giving that makes this great season possible. Jesus Christ went willingly
to His death, sacrificing His life for a greater good. Because of that
sacrifice, He was raised to new Life.
Giving of ourselves
has its own reward: it is pleasing to our heavenly Father and brings us much
blessing in our lives. Bringing a generous spirit to all our dealings with
others can be a joyful, peaceful, and loving experience.
In our responsorial
psalm today we acclaim: "Your
friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of Your kingdom" (Ps
145). By Your works, O Lord, we give thanks!
Mother Teresa lived
a life of faith, and this is what she wrote:
Lord:
When I am hungry,
send me someone who needs food.
When I am thirsty,
send me someone who needs drink.
When I am cold,
send someone to be warmed.
When I am
distressed, send me someone to console.
When my cross is
becoming heavy, send me someone with whom to share His cross.
When I am poor,
lead me to someone in need.
When I have no time
left, send me someone whom I might help for a few moments.
When I am
humiliated, help me to find someone to praise.
When I am
discouraged, send me someone to encourage.
When I need to be
understood by others, send me someone who needs my understanding.
When I need to be
cared for, send me someone to care for.
When I only think of myself, attract my attention to someone else.
Do we want to
receive peace in our lives? It seems Jesus and Mother Teresa lived lives of
faith that brought them true peace. Every time we prepare to receive Eucharist,
we say the words of today's Gospel of John: "Peace I leave with you; My
peace I give to you."