NBVM Novena Day 2: Peace in the Heart

In explaining the Word of God, Fr. Dom used the allegory of a mango tree that caused division between two neighbours who were once good friends. The mango tree represented anything that caused a rift in relationships-money, wealth, possessions, greed, fear, control, or putting ego above relationships. Fr. Dom warned the congregation to be mindful of these things.

In the story, the two neighbours decided to build walls and fences to separate themselves. However, a builder came and built a bridge between them, and they eventually became friends again. The bridge symbolised reconciliation and the rebuilding of relationships.

Fr. Dom reminded the congregation that peace in the heart does not mean the absence of trouble. Rather, it is a heart that chooses love, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation instead of harbouring anger, hatred, and resentment.

He reflected on the three readings: the first reading from Ezekiel (Ezekiel 33:7-9) speaks of repentance, the second (Romans 13:8-10) emphasises on  love of God and neighbour, and the Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20) calls us to reconciliation-love put into action.

Fr Dom reminded the congregation that Jesus promises us in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” To experience this peace in the heart we need to have a heart of flesh, which seeks love, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, instead of a heart of stone, which holds on to anger, hatred, and resentment.

He reminded the congregation that they need to identify the“mango tree”in their lives that has become a source of division. To have true peace in our hearts, we must choose a heart of flesh and build bridges rather than walls.(SR)

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