A Peaceful Demonstration
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| Photo: R. Massaro: St. George Romanian Catholic Church-Canton, Ohio |
Recently, while reading the news I heard about a peaceful demonstration that turned violent. I'm sure we can all agree that this is not surprising, it's a sign of the times in which we are now living. Each day we read about shootings and killings. We hear about the tragic outcome of a situation involving a seemingly well-liked, quiet, person; a good neighbor who "snaps" and goes on a violent rampage. It seems that even well-meaning persons who gather to support an issue give way to name-calling, physical attacks, and violence.
I suggest, that as Catholics, as Secular Carmelites, we engage in a "peaceful demonstration" each day by praying the Rosary for world peace and for peace in our hearts and in our families. Our Lady herself, Our Lady of Fatima, asked us to pray the Rosary each day for peace. Are we listening to her? Let us demonstrate to the world that we are a people of prayer who trust in God!
We must strengthen our soul by prayer so that we can be virtuous in good times and in the struggles of life. We can't let our spiritual life get so out of hand that we harbor anger and hatred against our neighbor, or we too will "snap" if caught off guard. Our "peaceful demonstration" can turn spiritually violent in a matter of moments if we are not prepared for the battles of life. We can't attend Mass or pray the Rosary one minute and then in the next moment leave church and swear at the driver in front of us. We can't pray the Rosary one minute and then abuse our spouse or our children. We can't pray the Rosary one minute and then complain about Church teaching, a teaching not to our liking. Peace can only be obtained with a true conversion of heart and an authentic prayer life.
We are so busy that we find it difficult to take the time to spend an extra 15 minutes or so in prayer each day. Our Lady told us that the Rosary is a powerful prayer, that it can bring an end to wars! Our Lady of Fatima said this to the three visionaries:
"You must recite the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war..."
Our Lady is a powerful intercessor before the Throne of God. Let us beg her to obtain peace for the world. And let us not be discouraged when reading the news. Even Sr. Lucia, one of the visionaries became frightened when she learned she would have to remain alone in the world, without her cousins to spread devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, but Our Lady consoled her and said, "I will never leave you, my Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God."
As Catholic Christians, we are a Eucharistic people who should be filled with hope, thanksgiving, and joy! We have Our Lord with us! He left us an awesome gift, himself. We are free to attend Mass and receive him each day. If we remain faithful, we will be with him forever.
Let us be witnesses in the world of God's abiding love for us. Let us join together in a "peaceful demonstration" by praying the Rosary for world peace.
Peace be with you!
Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds
