Peace of Christ

"The Lord says, peace I leave with you, my own peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give, alleluia." (John 14: 27)

Pax Christi – Deep contentment in the heart. Trust in God at all times and in everything.

Awareness of the nearness of Jesus everywhere at all times no matter the condition. Awareness that Jesus is in control.

We appropriate this peace of Christ every day. You ask the question: "How about the peace I appropriated yesterday's morning?" Answer: "That was for yesterday." Jesus says: "My own peace I give you; not as the world gives." He gives His peace as we appropriate it day by day. The world pretends to give its peace once and for all. After we appropriate the peace of Christ early in the morning, we defend this treasure against all threats everywhere and at all times. St. Peter warns us that our mortal enemy, the devil prowls constantly seeking the ruin of this peace.

Similarly, early in the morning, we offer our entire life – time, talent and treasure to Jesus. In exchange, we appropriate His peace, protection, provision, power, pardon and purpose for the rest of the day. We place our entire life and fortune in His loving and all powerful providence. We remain vigilant against all threats to the trust we place on Christ in the course of the day.

Completion

"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1: 6)

What God begins, He brings to completion. I am confident that God will complete what He started with the Enterprise.

Put on the full armor

"Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you will be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.

(Ephesians 6: 10 – 20)

Believe in Jesus

"This is carrying out God's work: must believe in the one he has sent." (John 6: 29)

Believe in Jesus:

Know Jesus intimately

Love Him passionately

Follow Him everywhere

St. Stephen

"Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people." (Acts 6:8)

God has inspired me to ask for a large portion of the spirit of love, wisdom and power. Stephen is one of my patron saints.

Light of truth

"God our Father, your light of truth guides us to the way of Christ. May all who follow him reject what is contrary to the gospel….." (Mass Prayer)

God's light of truth – the word of God and the teaching of the Church.

The way of Christ is the Via Dolorosa.

What is contrary to the gospel:

"For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2: 16)

Obedient servant

"Lord, bless us with your heavenly gifts, and in your mercy make us your obedient servants…" (Prayer at Mass)

Jesus Christ was obedient to His Father. Lord, make me your obedient servant.