Reflection
The peace of advent begins in the heart. When we let go of our old divisions and begin to heal each other, we bear witness to what is worthwhile in this life – living compassionately and doing no harm to each other. Fear is cast out and reconciling love enters: It is a decision to overcome any personal derision.
Peace grows when we choose gentleness over violence, respect, a smile, and politeness in conversation, a willingness to act responsibly, attentiveness to those who are ill or in distress, and a willingness to work with others to oppose structures of inequality.
Prayer
Renew my spirit, O God.
Action
What can I specifically do to help dispel whatever dams the flow of peace and acceptance in my heart and the hearts of those with whom I live and work? How can I help to bring about healing?
Suggested Reading
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior;
he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love…
Zep 3:14-18
The spirit of the God is upon me, because God has anointed me;
and has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly; to heal the brokenhearted.
Isaiah 61:1
Everyone needs peaceful co-existence. But this can grow only when we also build inner peace in our heart. Many people live in a constant hurry. In this way all that they have inside them tends to be overwhelmed.
Pope Francis
Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.
Dalai Lama
Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.
Hafsat Abiola
Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott
The effect of one good-hearted person is incalculable.
Oscar Arias Sanchez
You cannot make yourself feel something you do not feel, but you can make yourself do right in spite of your feelings.
Pearl S. Buck
Not one of us can rest, be happy, be at home, be at peace with ourselves, until we end hatred and division.
John Lewis
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
Desmond Tutu
What happens when people open their hearts?
They get better.
Haruki Murakam
Each of us has a unique part to play in the healing of the world.
Marianne Williamson
America’s present need is not heroics but healing; not nostrums but normalcy; not revolution but restoration.
Warren G. Harding
Part of the healing process is sharing with other people who care.
Jerry Cantrell