Peace

Peace.

Today, January 1, 2014 is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and also World Day of Peace.  What a great day to begin "Comfortably Catholic"!  I already write a lifestyle blog "Straddling the Gap" but have long wanted a forum to express my faith.  Comfortably Catholic describes where I want to be in my faith journey; not "comfortable" in the sense of complacent, but more relaxed, assured, peaceful in my faith.

Peace.

In a world where peace is at a premium, my goal for 2014 is to be at peace.  As difficult as world peace seems, I think maintaining personal peace can be harder.  I love my faith and I love Christ's Church, but sometimes I feel militant and protective in defending it.  There are times when that approach is necessary, but, following the example of Pope Francis, this is a time for proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ with kindness, respect and peace.

Peace.

Mary is the ultimate guide to inner peace.  Despite the turmoil all around her, the fear, the poverty, the responsibility, she modeled a peaceful faith in God.  In return, God gave her the graces she needed to be Theotokos - Mother of God.  She constantly points us to the only source of peace which is found in a relationship with her Son, Jesus Christ.  He's the source of her peace and He can be the source of ours too.

Today I pray for peace.  Peace for the world.  Peace for myself.  Peace through Jesus Christ.

Be still and know that I am God  Psalm 46:10.

CC