PEACE

Recently, I had the privilege to visit Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers, Georgia. Upon stepping foot onto the grounds one is enveloped in a cloud of PEACE. It is as if heaven touches earth in this cloud and truly the ground is sacred and has been made holy.

As I reflected, I questioned:

How did this PEACE arrive?

I felt the Lord answer "this peace was invited one molecule at a time."

How does one invite peace? I asked.

One invites peace one step at a time

What are these steps? I inquired.

One bending of the knee in humility

One act of obedience

One offering of suffering

One step in faith

One moment of waiting in patience

Yes, peace arrived at this place through thousands, perhaps millions of little daily decisions by hundreds of monks.

In further reflection my heart yearned to be a center of peace for others as the monastery was for so many.

I saw in a vision, the how the monastery was a church and had been grounded in the 4 marks of the church. ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC.

One in that the monastery was united to the true church, and the bishop of Rome

Holy in that the monks strived to make God and the love of their neighbor the center of every action.

Apostolic in that the monks by their lives and teachings taught on the apostolic tradition.

Catholic in that the monks opened their hearts to the universal church by prudent evangelization.

As I further reflection, I was led to see that also my little soul is also a temple of the Holy Spirit and I can also bear the 4 marks of the Holy Spirit and likewise much peace.

One - I can humble be united in mind and heart of the Church founded by Christ and be attentive to the holy initiatives of the Pope and Bishops

Holy - I can make each moment intentional to glorify God and be used for His purposes

Apostolic - I can remember the traditions of the Church, her liturgies and seasons as well as reflect upon the lives of the saints.

Catholic - I can have a prudent evangelistic heart as I reach out

In this way, perhaps peace will grow in my heart and in those around me.