INNER PEACE OR WAR? - One Bread, One Body, 5/20/2008

The May issue of My People Newspaper is now online. Articles include:

Remembering Pope John Paul II: Sign And Witness Of Risen Christ
Educational Crisis Challenges All
In Defense of Life: Marriage: Under Attack
Media At The Crossroads Between Self-Promotion And Service
Christians Face Education Crisis With Faith And Hope

http://www.presentationministries.com/mypeople/latestMyPeople.asp
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008, St. Bernardine of Siena

James 4:1-10, Psalm 55, Mark 9:30-37
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/052008.shtml

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."

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Jesus and Peace" on audio AV 42-1
or video V-42.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2008 through May 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

The rescript 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 ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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