From the Heart of the Shepherd

From the bulletin for The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (2026 January 18)

Parish School of Prayer, Pt 22: Praying for Peace

“Whenever I want to know what is going on in the world, I just pick up a copy of the Book of Revelation.” I’ve shared that quote from Leon Bloy before. I share it again because its insight is timely: any day of the year, the Book of Revelation illuminates what is ever transpiring on this earth better than any periodical. 

Which is not at all to say that people of faith should be oblivious of current events. Only that we should be able to “read the signs of the times” and see through them to the eternal things, the ongoing spiritual combat of the only two warring kingdoms in the cosmos, and the providential unfolding of God’s plans in the ordinary and extraordinary events of life. 

With all that is going on, I have, in fact, attempted to “be informed” by means of the online news. But riffing on Leon Bloy, I think I learn more about what is really happening in the world while in the confessional than from today’s media. I experience the news to be like ultra-processed food. Tid-bits of truth, but with a lot of unhealthy chemicals for the mind. Yet in my ministry this week–including council meetings, pastoral counselling, email exchanges, interactions with our new “homebound” at the parish, etc.–I know that many in the parish are hurting, confused, concerned, angry, and/or even indifferent. And for diverse reasons. And in various “directions.” 

So what’s a Catholic in the Twin Cities to do during these (for some) tumultuous times? To quote a book title out there, by Searching for and Maintaining Peace. Of heart, in the first place.

Every good act flows from a peaceful heart. Or at least: from a truly peaceful heart flows only good deeds and words. If you want to ready yourself to respond well to any situation, to speak a word that will bring calm rather than rile others up; if you want to radiate tranquility and light into the world, first, fill your soul with God’s peace.

You won’t find it out “in the world.” On the contrary, in the measure you open your soul up to the products of the world (by reading the news, for example, or surfing social media), watch out! You might be filled with the opposite. Which explains so much of the way things are... 

How to calm the soul in a time of agitation? Three steps: flee into the desert, allow the waters to calm, and elevate the mind to God. 

Flee to the desert. Leave the world behind. Go to your “inner room.” Arrive without agenda. The adoration chapel is often the best place to flee, but it’s not the only. Go to where you will be at least relatively “unreachable,” which typically includes a distance from your cell phone and those who depend on you. But also engage in a process of distancing your mind from occupations, media, and work. Avoid or at least refuse to dwell on whatever might stimulate, provoke, distract, or entertain you.

Calm the waters. Of your mind and soul. This is really just a matter of time, provided you persevere in “the desert.” Don’t allow any extraneous concern to agitate your thoughts. Imagine you are a public pool whose waters have been stirred due to the many swimmers cannon-balling into your consciousness. Make like the lifeguard and command everyone to exit until further notice. Become aware of your immediate surroundings, the state of your soul, and (bleeding into the next step) of God Almighty whose presence enveloped and penetrates your very being. 

Elevate the mind. This can be as simple as a glance, an attentive gaze of love towards Him who is always lovingly attentive to you. Granted, it can be an enormous battle to maintain this  gaze. It’s a battle worth fighting. In it, if thoughts and concerns arise, if worries or imaginary conversations bubble up, refer them to Him. Elevate not just your mind but everything that is in it to Him. Including, if necessary, what is troubling, aggravating, or confusing you. Lay it at His feet. Don’t expect answers or ideas, though these may come. Be content to recognize that all things, and yourself included, are in His almighty hands. And that is a peaceful thought. One which truly nothing should disturb. 

Then, “do whatever you have in mind,” for the Lord will be with you (2 Sam 7:3). 

From the Heart of the Shepherd: The Baptism of the Lord