In this chaotic world, having inner peace has become a luxury. Yet, no one wants to live in a state of restlessness. Therefore, whether or not one has religious beliefs, he or she will intentionally or unintentionally seek some spiritual nourishment and anchor in order to obtain a sense of security that cannot come from oneself. Usually, this sense of security comes from a sense of order in life, and this sense of security ensures that people can have some basic control even when faced with uncertainties of the future.
This need for security is usually fulfilled by one's family and the society. For example, a society that is stable with a trustworthy government, a good healthcare system and job security; and in the family aspect: a happy family and marriage, a desirable living environment, a stable income, harmonious relationships among family members, good education for the children and so on.
But in the current world and social environment, especially during the pandemic, can we really rely on these external factors to obtain the sense of security we need? So, is it impossible to achieve true inner peace in this day and age? In fact, there has not been a time in history when people did not face any local challenges or even persecutions. What we need is an interior order to achieve inner peace that cannot be taken away even if the external environment is not desirable.
In this Lenten retreat, let us learn from Jesus together with Martha and Mary, to experience this interior order and to put it into practice. In the process, let us also learn from Martha and Mary, and from their experiences, how to serve God properly,how to make choices that please God, and the right way and attitude to serve others.
REFLECTION
In the past, how did you attempt to find order in chaos?
When you felt you had lost a sense of order and inner peace, were you hopeless and ready to give up? How did you face it?
TODAY'S PRAYER
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Facing the pandenmic, as well as my own life reality, i do experience the loss of my inner peace, which brings me worry, anxierty and tiredness. I do keep hoping to renew myself and regain the energy and the true self which i had before during this lent.
We pray for this difficult time. The COVID pandemic is covering the entire world and plenty of victims and families are suffering. May Lord have mercy on us.