Yesterday was the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today was the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Is it coincidence that yesterday the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and that today new gun laws were passed? In the words of President Biden,  “I know there’s much more work to do, and I’m never going to give up. But this is a monumental day. God bless us with the strength to continue to work to get the work that’s left undone done, and the lives lost that can’t be saved that obviously are gone but will be an inspiration for us to do more.” He was speaking strictly about the gun control laws, but in my opinion, those same words are appropriate for the Supreme Court decision. Yet, somehow, people are once again thrown into a frenzy. I wonder why we as human beings can’t come together and recognize the basics of humanity and each person’s right to simply survive. Why is it difficult to see the person next to us with respect and value? I feel it is a heart problem and I feel God is once again trying to get our attention. I, myself, have felt overwhelmed and anxious over the past week or so. But, as usual, God shows up right on time. I started listening to a book reading that popped on the “Hallow” app. It is titled, “Searching for and Maintaining Peace” by Jacque Phillipe”. The goal of the book is to help each one of us to live with a peaceful heart, because it is only then that we can truly love God, one another, and do good. Statements that stood out to me were from John 15:5 Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”  “All the good that we can do comes from Him and Him alone.” We can pass and overturn many laws, but our hearts must be connected to Our Creator to make a difference. Tonight after dinner we read the reflection from the Word Among us. This is what it said in part, “Mary did the one thing God wants each of us to try to do when anxiety looms; she “kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)… In her immaculate heart that was free from pride and selfishness…We may not have pure, immaculate hearts like hers,…we can still bring our anxiety to our heavenly Father and ask him to help us make sense of them.” It ended with the perfect prayer, “Immaculate Mary, help me keep my heart as peaceful as yours was.” Our world needs peace. I need peace. And I am grateful that God offers that to each of us. I believe it truly is the only way we can make a positive difference.

I Found God today in His offer for a peaceful heart.