Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

New DeSales World Newsletter - Summer Edition

Third Sunday of Easter (May 4, 2003)

Suggested Emphasis

"Why are you troubled?"

"Peace be with you."

Salesian Perspective

It is no secret that we live in upsetting times. Our newspapers and our television screens seem to give us a daily dose of troubling news. If it is not the armed conflict in the mid-east, it is the threat of terrorism, or it is our shrinking economy—all of which can easily raise the level of anxiety in our lives. Living in the 21st century is often a stressful experience. Individuals and families are forced to deal with so many agendas at the same time that it is easy to feel overwhelmed.

When Jesus stood in the midst of his apostles and wished them peace, it was to comfort and to reassure them that he was really with them-that he was not a ghost. The whole experience of the violent death of Jesus had to be a traumatic experience for those who loved him the most. Now there were rumors that some had seen Jesus raised from the dead. Could this possibly be true? The apostles certainly needed reassurance and it is precisely for this reason that he appeared to them.

Being troubled and not being at peace with oneself can be a very unsettling and damaging experience for any individual. The trouble can take on a life of its own and upset set us so that we cannot focus on the things that are important in our life.

Saint Francis de Sales believes that anxiety is a very serious condition. “With the single exception of sin, anxiety is the greatest evil that can happen to a soul. If our heart is inwardly troubled and disturbed it loses both the strength necessary to maintain the virtues it had acquired and the means to resist temptation.” (Introduction to the Devout Life, IV, 11)

How then do we maintain our peace of mind and soul in the midst of trouble? St. Francis recommends that we approach life in a calm and gentle way. Place yourself in the presence of God, asking for his guiding hand to lead you through the present trouble to a state of peace of mind. We cannot eliminate troubles; the secrets is how we deal with troubles so that they do not overly upset us and cause us to lose our peace of mind.

Jesus has promised us that he would always be with us. He would never leave us orphans no matter what rages around us. Listen to the words of Jesus to the apostles: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in me.”

Our faith will sustain us if we place our trust and confidence in God whose peace will always reign in our hearts.

John Fallon, OSFS, is president of St. Mary High School in Stockton, California.