Peace be With You

January 31, 1956

Dear Diary,

As Sister Mary Claire and I stepped into church this morning, Father was already there to greet us. With a warm smile, he said, “Peace be with you.” How strange, I thought, since Sister and I had just gotten up early to read our morning meditation, which was all about the peace of Christ. But then, of course, I remembered that Father used the same book we did, Jesus, the Model of Religious, for his own daily meditations.

The peace of Christ… what a beautiful and deep thing to ponder. As we settled into our pew, I reflected on how peace is not just a feeling but a gift from God that requires surrender and trust. During his homily, Father spoke about today’s meditation, explaining that Christ’s peace is threefold: peace with God, peace with our neighbor, and peace within ourselves.

True peace, he said, does not mean a life without struggles but a heart that remains steady in God’s will, even when things are difficult. “Nothing happens without divine dispensations,”Father reminded us, quoting from our meditation book. “Even the smallest happenings of daily life are part of God’s loving plan to lead us to our final home in Heaven.”

Peace with our neighbor, he continued, is just as important. It means being patient with others, bearing their faults without complaint, and letting go of our own selfish desires for the sake of harmony. As I listened, I thought of how easily I can get frustrated when things don’t go my way or when I feel misunderstood.

Peace within ourselves, he concluded, is the hardest of all to attain because it requires constant struggle against our own passions and weaknesses. But Christ promises that by resisting them rather than serving them, we will find true peace.

After Mass, Mini was busy as ever, wagging her little bottom and saying goodbye to people at the door. Another dog had come to church as well, and Mini was delighted to meet a new friend. She wanted to stay and play, circling and sniffing, her excitement barely contained. But we couldn’t stay and I coaxed her along for the walk home.

The sky is still clear, and though the temperatures seem to be moderating, there is still no sign of snow. Maybe Sister Mary Claire’s forecast wasn’t so accurate this after all.

The afternoon was quiet. I made a quick trip down to the cave with Mini, bringing along my book, All for Jesus. It felt peaceful there, just me, Mini, and the gentle sounds of the sanctuary. The words I read reminded me again of today’s meditation—how peace is found in loving God’s will, not fighting against it. I stayed a while, thinking and praying, before finally heading back home.

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of Your peace, a peace that the world cannot give. Help me to seek it, not in comfort or ease, but in conforming my heart to Your holy will. Teach me to be patient with others, to bear their faults with love, and to seek harmony rather than my own way. When I struggle against my own weaknesses, remind me that true peace comes from resisting sin, not surrendering to it.

Lord, I pray for all those who are restless tonight, those who do not know Your peace. May they find in You the quiet refuge that only Your love can provide. Grant peace to the weary, to the sorrowful, and to all those searching for meaning in their lives.

And Lord, if snow does come, let it remind me of the quiet beauty of Your creation, and of the stillness You call us to embrace within our souls.

Amen.