Even before Covid, as priests, we already got a sense that many people are experiencing mental health issues – fear, worry, anxiety, depression, fear, and even suicidal thoughts. Then when Covid came, it even made things worse.  

That is why the words of Christ are very important – “Peace be with you.” Peace is not the absence of crisis, it is not the absence of pain, it is not the absence of suffering, it is not the absence of the crosses of life.

How does God give peace?

• First is prayer. The mind is very powerful; it all starts in the mind. That is why we tap into the power of prayer. On the one hand, prayer is very powerful and Jesus said do that babble like the pagans. On the other hand, Jesus tells us to pray unceasingly. 
• The second is trusting God. “Lord, I am now sure where this will lead me or not sure if I deserve this crisis but I know that you have a plan in everything and everything happens for a reason and purpose.” Trusting God’s mysterious yet perfect plan. 
• The third is being a blessing. In the parable of the talents, Jesus got angry with the one with one talent because he just buried it in the ground out of fear. Even when life is difficult, continue to be a blessing to others. There are people out there with bigger battles to fight and the kindness we have shown could be the answer to their prayers. 

In today’s Mass, we pray for peace amidst the storms of life. We remember the saying, “That storms disrupt and destroy, they also clear the part for a new beginning.”