Bottom of my chalice

"At the bottom of my chalice there was peace, always peace." 
St. Therese of Lisieux

 

In the aforementioned quote, St. Therese of Lisieux was expressing how peace reigned within her no matter what bitter cup of suffering, sadness, or disappointment she experienced in her life. She had a deep and intimate relationship with the Lord and because of this she was able to find peace in the inner sanctuary of her soul.

Like Therese we are called to "put out into deep water" Lk 5:4   our net (a relationship) with the Most Holy Trinity--the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When we do develop a deep relationship with these persons, we will receive the "peace that surpasses understanding" Phil 4:7 as well as an abundance of other gifts and fruits of the Spirit.

Recognizing our humanity and the struggles that we face, Fr. Bob Colaresi, a Carmelite, wrote this wonderful prayer:

"Jesus, our brother, we need Your healing touch. There are areas of our mind that are paralyzed or underdeveloped; that are plagued with fear, ignorance and blindness; that are crippled in the darkness of poor self-images; that expect disaster and defeat. We have a narrow-mindedness that does not expand our vision or wisdom; attitudes of self-reliance that do not let others touch or minister to us; a need to have the mental control of understanding, which flees before mystery; a brain which does not balance information with the instincts of our heart. We are so serious we no longer laugh at ourselves. There are areas within us that are not whole and do not balance our experience of all the events You send us.

Heal us with peace amid the storms which rock our mental stability. Calm us to carry the crosses You send us to refine and draw us closer. Heal us of our arrogant self-reliance so that we can be more dependent on Your love and presence, deep within and around us. We ask You this, through the intercession of St. Therese, who teaches us confidence and trust in Your love."

I am reminded of the scripture verse from Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Peace be with you!