Readings (Year A):
Jeremiah 20:10 – 13
Psalms 69:8 – 10, 14, 17, 33 – 35
Romans 5:12 – 15
Matthew 10:26 – 33
Reflection: The peace of God is abundant
These days, I don’t know many people immune to anxiety. Whether parenting, enduring a layoff, fighting cancer, or just trying to make it through the day with one more cup of coffee, we are all facing a world of troubles that have potential to wreak havoc on our mental health. For anyone also seeking an antidote to restlessness, today’s readings have something to say about peace and God’s presence that is worth exploring.
In today’s reading from Jeremiah, the prophet speaks of his persecutors insulting him, trying to incite fear and failure. This part of the passage reminded me of the persecuting (or intrusive) thoughts that arise as I face the challenges of life with a newborn and a toddler. In the two months since my second child was born, my spouse and I have navigated both failed nursing attempts and failed attempts at toddler discipline (“What were we thinking having ANOTHER kid?!”), three emergency room visits (“How are we here AGAIN?”), and smoky air due to wildfires (“It’s finally warm in Colorado! When do we get to play outside? Will this last ALL SUMMER? Will my kids have any relief from climate change?”)—all while sleep-deprived. Needless to say, my anxiety has been pretty high lately.
Noteworthy in the Jeremiah reading is that despite his enemies’ bullying and fear mongering, Jeremiah is assured: “The Lord is with me.” I remember that the challenging thoughts that arise in anxious moments come from a voice that is seemingly not my own nor God’s. Instead, when I pause and listen, I notice that God shows up as a peaceful, energetic response to my anxiety.
Though anxious thoughts can seem all-consuming, I am not alone in moments of darkness. Peace is near. In today’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus tells the disciples, and therefore us, that he speaks in darkness. I resonate with this, as God speaks in the figurative darkness in my head. “In whispers,” Jesus reminds me in this passage. When the intrusive thoughts invade, I remember that I can quiet the “mean” voices when I am still. I acknowledge the voices in one breath, and in the next I hear a whisper, reminding me that I am resilient, loved, and alive. This is God’s voice, a gift that brings stillness and peace.
When the sun sets and the earth’s darkness descends, God also exists as peace. In the urban darkness through the white noises of the night, like the hum of traffic and neighbors enjoying good company, this peace reminds me that I am never truly alone. Through the stars and house-shaking thunder, I receive the peaceful thought that the earth and galaxies exist beyond me in space and time. I am small, but I am known: “Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows,” Jesus reassures us in today’s Gospel.
Staying present to peace can be hard since anxiety can be enticing and life is busy (I am holding my two-month old as I type this!). In low moments, I sometimes question whether peace will come to me, since sometimes I squander my opportunities to pause and connect with myself and God. Words from today’s second reading arise: “Jesus Christ, overflow for the many.” I sit with these words now and feel the baby breathing against my chest.
I contemplate that the peace of God is overabundant and overflowing. There is no such thing as “last chances” with peace that knows no bounds. Peace will continue to show up for us in its many forms as an antidote to life’s various challenges. May we continue to notice it and relish in it. May we also cultivate the peace we meet, not only for ourselves, but also for those around us who might need a reminder that God is near.
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