Finding True Peace
November 15, 2023
It is unfortunate that not more people read the psalms on a regular basis. Jesus did, his Blessed Mother did. That is why priests, religious and many laity pray the liturgy of the hours. There are 150 psalms; some long, some short.
If you are ever feeling blue, try reading and praying psalm 131 which is only three verses: “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast, like a child that is quieted is my soul. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.”
From this short psalm we learn that there is a connection between humility and peace, peace that only God can give. I cannot imagine any other more peaceful image than a child at rest in his or her mother’s arms.
One of the definitions of humility I like the best is knowing and living the truth. There are some who wish to invent their own truth, which is absurd and impossible. Jesus said He is the truth (John 14:6). There are those who do not want to know the truth because it might interfere with the life choices they have made. There are those who want to know the truth, but after finding it are afraid to live it because of the changes they would need to make in their lives. Then there are those who want to know the truth, and once known, do everything they can with the grace of God to live it regardless of the costs, like the martyrs. I do not know what would be harder, white or red martyrdom.
White martyrdom is living with fidelity to the truth despite being ridiculed and persecuted. Red martyrdom is losing one’s life because of the faith. Today, many health care professionals are facing persecution because of their refusal to compromise the faith in their medical practices.
Living faithful lives takes humility. Remember these words Jesus Christ said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven, for men persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5:10-12). Since we are still this side of heaven, the road to peace is humility. Jesus taught us best what this looks like as He hung on the cross for three hours.
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast’ like a child that is quieted is my soul. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.”
National Chaplain Fr. Christopher Kubat, M.D. is the pastor of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska and St. Mary Catholic Church in St. Mary, Nebraska. He serves as a member of CMA’s Health Care Policy Committee, Ethics Committee, Awards Committee and Executive Committee.