Psalm Reflection: The Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A

“In you, Lord, I have found my peace.” - Psalms 131

Tell me what your prayer life looks like and I will tell you how much peace you have.

Prayer leads to peace because it is rooted in a trust in a God who is ultimately in control. Anxiety, on the other hand, is all about the ways we are grasping for control and do not have it.

This is why those who are closest to the Lord, like the Saints for instance, often have the most peace, even in the midst of trials and suffering.

Today, on this great feast of All Saints, spend some time prayerfully reflecting on the words from some of our heroic brothers and sisters in Heaven:

For all the ways we are anxious about the things of this world, and all the ways we are attached or seek to control our lives or happiness through achievement, pleasure and affirmation:

"Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?” - St. Gerard Majella

For all the ways we experience suffering, trials and tribulations that can so easily steal our sense of joy or trust in the Lord:

"My children, it is in loving the cross that we find true peace, not running from it.” - St. John Vianney

For the ways that we doubt or struggle to believe that God is in control of our lives:

"He will never let the trial surpass the strength He gives you, and at the very moment you think yourself overwhelmed by sorrow, He will lift you up and give you peace.” - St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

For all of the ways we experience regret, shame, embarrassment, or anxiety because of our mistakes or what others might think of us:

"God is there in these moments of rest and can give us in a single instant exactly what we need. Then the rest of the day can take its course, under the same effort and strain, perhaps, but in peace. And when night comes, and you look back over the day and see how fragmentary everything has been, and how much you planned that has gone undone, and all the reasons you have to be embarrassed and ashamed: just take everything exactly as it is, put it in God’s hands and leave it with Him. Then you will be able to rest in Him — really rest — and start the next day as a new life.” - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

For all of the ways we are afraid or get caught up in the moment:

"Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you, all things are passing; God never changes." - St. Teresa of Avila

God could do everything He desires to do without any help from us, the Saints, and the Angels. He chooses to allow us to be co-creators with Him and to bless one another by the lives we lead when we seek Him. 

If you are struggling to find peace, comfort, rest, solace, direction, or guidance in your life, turn to prayer and trust in God. Trust in the words of those Saints who have gone before you and weathered the storms of life faithfully until death, who can pray for you know in your time of distress. Ask for help from those around you who love and care for you, allow them to pray with you, sit with you, cry with you, and listen. 

In the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

You are not alone.

God is with you and has defeated death.

There is nothing you cannot weather when you stick by His side.

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, November 5th, 2023, which is The Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A: Psalms 131:1, 2, 3.