Zep 3:14-18a
Phil 4:4-7
Lk. 3:10-18

The Peace that Surpasses All
The 17th of December’s readings gave me a lot to think about. However, the reading that really snuck into my soul space was the second reading from Paul to the Philippians. Our homilist did a great job talking about the concept of joy and rejoicing, but the phrase I was drawn to is one that I often use in my prayers with patients and families who are anxious.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Imagine for a moment a peace so strong, so big that even in our most enlighten moment it still surpasses our understanding! And on the other hand, as connected as we can be to our fears, our disappointments, our anxieties, this grace of God is big enough to change that in the blink of an eye.

I found myself thirsting for this peace to guard my heart and mind as I enter a week with several patients who are very sick. My challenge and opportunity this week is to trust that this peace is not given for good behavior, or held back for not doing everything just so, but rather this peace is so big that it is within our midst no matter what.

Although my mind and heart are still working their way through clutter, the letter of Paul to the Philippians fits perfectly well into this season of waiting as it seeks to create space otherwise used up by “get everything done.”