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Tuesday, August 23, 2016

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St. Rose of Lima


2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17
Psalm 96:10-13
Matthew 23:23-26

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the peace of the lord

The Lord "has made the world firm, not to be moved." —Psalm 96:10

Satan tries to disturb the peace. He wants everything in an uproar. He specializes in chaos. However, "God is a God, not of confusion, but of peace" (1 Cor 14:33). He is "happy to see good order among" us and the firmness of our faith in Christ (Col 2:5). We should not let anything agitate or terrify us — even rumors about the end of the world (2 Thes 2:2). What if "the consummation of all is close at hand" (see 1 Pt 4:7)? We should still not be perturbed. Rather, we should remain calm so that we will be able to pray (1 Pt 4:7).

Our lives are founded on the rock of faith in Jesus and obedience to His Word (Mt 7:24). "The Lord is my life's Refuge; of whom should I be afraid?" (Ps 27:1) "Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust" (Ps 27:3). As Jesus slept in the midst of a storm (Mt 8:25), so can we. We have a peace beyond understanding (Phil 4:7). We are "able to lead undisturbed and tranquil lives in perfect piety and dignity" (1 Tm 2:2). When the devil tries to pressure, manipulate, and stampede us, we can say: "I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me" (Ps 131:2). "The peace of the Lord be with you always."

Prayer:  Father, console our "hearts and strengthen them for every good work and word" (2 Thes 2:17).

Promise:  "He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with His constancy." —Ps 96:13

Praise:  St. Rose stilled her heart by being a daily communicant and by spending long hours in prayer. She found peace in her prayerful relationship with the Lord.

Reference:  (On Sept. 16-18, a retreat will be held for the divorced and separated; on Sept. 17 a retreat will be held for widows and widowers. Call 513-373-2397 for information or to register.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.