inner peace or war?
"Where do the conflicts and disputes among you originate?" —James 4:1
Many of us have declared war on ourselves. "Is it not your inner cravings that make war within your members?" (Jas 4:1) We have this inner conflict because we are not getting what we want. Sometimes what we want is not what God wants and therefore not what we truly need. In this case, we must repent of wrong desires and pray with Jesus: "Not my will, but Yours be done" (see Mt 26:39).
Sometimes what we want is God's will, but we do not obtain it because we do not ask (Jas 4:2). Therefore, we must present our "needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude" (Phil 4:6). The way to have peace inside instead of war is to repent and petition God. Inner peace is not dependent on circumstances beyond our control. The peace that Jesus gives is not like the world's "peace," and it cannot be taken away by the world (Jn 14:27; 16:22). No one can make us lose our peace.
Peace is our lasting inheritance (Jn 14:27), so any inner conflict is our opportunity to repent and/or petition God. Inner peace is available to us always and under any circumstances. If you have any inner conflict, first repent and go to Confession. This will settle most conflicts. If the conflict persists, persevere in asking and you shall receive peace (see Mt 7:7).
Prayer: Father, give me peace in the midst of the storm.
Promise: "If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all." —Mk 9:35
Praise: St. Bernardine gave so much of himself that he would often preach for three or four hours and sometimes additional sermons as well. His goal was that "the shining splendor of [Jesus'] name causes His word to be proclaimed and heard."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Jesus and Peace on audio AV 42-1 or video V-42.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 23, 2007
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.