Jul 3 Fri
How can I reach authentic peace and perfect joy?
The Pope’s message that every young person should read:
Saint Francis always greeted saying: “Peace and all good.”
We, too, can ask ourselves: Do I desire true peace for those who come into contact with me? Do I treat others in such a way that brings them peace?
Now, you may say that this is not always easy. Sometimes our behavior, even toward those whom we most dearly love, can bring frustration and conflict rather than peace. Saint Francis was able to sow peace not because of his own efforts, but because he possessed within himself the source of true peace. Peace is a gift from God, which we receive when we invite the Lord into our hearts. We are then called to become instruments of his peace, spreading it to our families and the whole world.
One winter evening, as he was walking back to Assisi with Brother Leo, Saint Francis began to give a long list of apparently “good” things that do not lead to perfect joy.
Later, Brother Leo finally asked, “Father Francis, what leads to perfect joy?” The saint then described situations of suffering, cold, hunger, and rejection — the opposite of what you would expect — and added that if such difficulties are embraced with patience, without complaining and with love for God, “This is perfect joy.”
Is it really possible to have joy in such difficult circumstances, we might ask? It is only possible if our life is founded on our relationship with God as our loving Father.
Indeed, joy cannot be found through electronic devices, spending hours in front of a screen, or endlessly scrolling on social media every day. These activities often waste precious time that could be used for moments of silent prayer, cultivating authentic friendships, spending quality time with family, learning more about our faith, studying, or playing sports.
Joy can never be found in drug or alcohol abuse, promiscuity, superficial relationships, obsession with our image, or any damaging behavior. Neither in wealth, beauty, fame, or even health, for one day we will leave all of this behind.
Only the love of God can provide us with true and perfect joy. If we have the profound conviction that God cares for us as his beloved children, we will not be discouraged, even in difficult situations.
You are precious in God’s eyes! He loves you unconditionally!
What can I give him in return for such great love?
Cultivate a trusting relationship with Him, through regular prayer, reception of the sacraments, and abandon yourself into his hands, then anxiety, or sadness, and loneliness will fade away as his grace fills you and as his love inflames your heart. This is the secret to facing challenging circumstances with a smile. Open your heart to discover this reality.
So, if you feel that the Lord may be calling you to complete self-giving, do not close yourself off or turn away in fear, but take a step forward and say to the Lord, “Here I am, send me!”