In today’s world, people do almost anything, in order to find peace. If they don’t find it, they go even to the extent of destroying themselves. Peace is not found in technology, nor is it found in affluence. Mere success in one’s career or in business or in social status does not bring peace. Then how can we find peace?

Peace is a matter of heart. It is found in having something worthwhile to live for. Our culture puts so much emphasis on matters related to success in life through technological achievement, popularity and affluence. It is a pity that we forget the truth that peace is basically a gift from God. We can attain peace by praying for accepting the circumstances in which we live. Our efforts to change the circumstances, which we cannot change, lead us more towards frustrations. Once we accept our present circumstances, we can not only find peace but also make use of it as a stepping stone for success in life.

Peace can be found also in self-acceptance or having a healthy self-image. Inner peace begins with having the right relationship with ourselves. We can build and strengthen our self-image by concentrating on our positive characteristics and success than on our defects and failures. Let us remember that our loving God has given us multiple talents, which we need to use them well and with right motive, so that we might gain inner peace.

Right relationship with others is another essential way for us to find peace. As long as one retains resentment and fails to forgive those who have hurt us, we cannot find inner peace. One of the main reasons why some people end their lives is because they are charged with too many negative feelings and act on them.

Finally, the most important way to find inner peace is to maintain a right relationship with God. St. Augustine says, “You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”

“Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

God bless you

Fr. Arul Joseph V.


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