Trying to find inner peace and spreading it around you is the work of a lifetime. Here are a few steps and some advice to help you on this vital quest during the sacred season of Lent.
- See your reflection in God’s heart.
- Never despair over your failings, but be hopeful that things can change.
- Meditate daily on this verse from the Bible: “You are precious and honorable in my sight” (Isaiah 43:4).
- Seek in the sacrament of penance the merciful eyes of the Father.
- Ask Jesus for strength to transform your vices and gain a better knowledge of yourself.
- Discover what will bring you joy and peace.
- Take time to thank God daily (sing the Magnificat, for example).
- Believe that what God is always working in the most tragic of situations.
- Offer a few kind words to someone instead of looking for faults and imperfections.
- Learn how to say “no” sometimes, and how to free your schedule.
- Never forget the maxim of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer: “Do what you must and be what you do.”
- Never forget to give the alms, because it opens our hearts: “For without virginity indeed it is possible to see the Kingdom, but without almsgiving it cannot be” (St. John Chrysostom).
- Take time to speak to the poor you meet, give a smile and consider them worthy of your interest.
- Never forget to offer a part of your revenue (the tithe) to the parish or an association.
- Make small decisions that will gradually change your life.
- Read the living Word of God and use it as a guidance to enlighten your decision-making.
- Never forget that we are all on a pilgrimage here on Earth and await the Kingdom to come.
- If something in your relationship with others becomes a cause for concern, explain yourself instead of pretending that nothing is wrong. This will allow you to resist resentment and vengeance.
- After an argument, pray that you may have enough courage to humbly say: “I beg your forgiveness” or “I forgive you.”Never forget to ask God for the grace of forgiveness and remember that this gift is given neither instantly nor automatically, but is often the result of a long spiritual journey.
- Believe that God cares for all of us, even if we don’t understand events. See the work of Providence and surrender to it.
- Remember to recite the prayers of abandonment and confidence, such as the rosary or the Jesus prayer (“Lord Jesus son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”). Through prayer we become closer to God.
- Never neglect the sacraments, which are the sustenance of the soul along our journey on Earth.
- Do not judge others hearts. Look positively on a person and abstain from all negative criticism. Favor dialogue and teamwork over competition.
- Do not lose your way in the labyrinth of personal introspection.
- Reserve a weekend to spend time in nature and surround yourself with works of art as you can.
Loïc Joncheray and Luc Adrian
Read more:
How Lent reveals the beauty of life
Read more:
Here is a way to help the poor with Lenten sacrifices
And today we celebrate...