NBVM Novena Day 2: Peace Comes from Communion with God
On the second day of Novena, Fr George led the congregation in a reflection on the theme of Peace. Connecting with the previous day’s theme of Unity, he pointed out that with unity comes peace. Nevertheless, true peace is not merely an absence of conflict but a deep abiding presence of God in our hearts that leads us to live in harmony with ourselves and others. The readings invite us to explore the connection between communion with God and the peace that flows from this relationship.
In the first reading (Isaiah 57:15–19), God declares himself as the high and lofty One, who dwells in eternity but also in those with a contrite and humble spirit. It reminds us that true peace begins when we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our need for His healing and guidance. Then God will come to dwell in us, and with that, His healing, guidance, and comfort.
The psalmist cries out to God for two things: mercy and restoration (Psalm 80). He is asking God for deliverance from enemies that plot devastation. This plea for God’s intervention underscores the need for divine help in achieving peace. Whatever it is, we need God’s presence. God must be central in all our doing and being. When we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, seeking God’s help and placing our trust in Him gives us peace that only He can provide. Communion with God brings peace that restores and renews us even in the face of adversity.
St James in the second reading (James 1:17–18, 21–22, 27), teaches that every good and perfect gift comes from God. He urges us not just to be hearers but doers of the Word, emphasising that true religion involves caring for those in need and keeping oneself unstained by the world. This passage connects our communion with God to our actions in the world. The peace we receive from God must be lived out in practical ways, through acts of love, justice, and compassion. Peace is not something passive. It requires active participation in God’s work of healing and reconciliation in the world.
In the Gospel (Mark 7: 1–8, 14–15, 21–23), Jesus challenges the pharisees and scribes on their emphasis of external rituals at the expense of inner righteousness. He teaches that what defiles a person comes from within—evil thoughts, intentions, and actions. Jesus’ teaching calls us to examine our own hearts and recognise that true peace comes from a heart that is aligned with God’s will.
A disordered inner life will manifest in actions of disunity that lead to division and conflict—the absence of peace. Conversely, by living in communion with God and allowing His peace to dwell in our hearts, our lives will reflect that peace in our relationships, communities, and surroundings. It is natural for conflicts to arise. What is more important is what happens after the conflict. Can we reconcile, or will we hold a grudge till death? If we can reconcile and be at peace with the other person and ourselves, our hearts is aligned with God’s.
True peace is rooted in communion with God, not anything else we desire. It is a peace that will transform us from within, leading us to live in harmony with others and work for justice and reconciliation in the world. For this, we must humble ourselves before God, allowing Him to heal and guide us. We pray for this peace in our lives. In situations where it was absent, we offer up these experiences of conflict and unrest that the Lord may sanctify them and give us peace.