We read in the Mathew’s Gospel (Mt 1:12-15) that Jesus was sent to journey through the desert for forty days to be tempted by Satan, who offered him every worldly thing, in exchange for his allegiance. In our desire for peace and joy in our journey through life, the devil brings us temptations, with the promise that if we chase after them, we will eventually find the peace and joy we are seeking.

One way Satan can tempt us is through our pride. He persuades us to shift our focus from Jesus to ourselves. We are lured into comparing ourselves to others which can lead to unhealthy competition and unnecessary busyness. We try to become like somebody else, or covet their possessions, rather than being grateful for who we are and what God has gifted us with. As we pursue these worldly things, we may indeed find happiness, but it will only be temporary. Putting our faith only in ourselves, our own success, our own possessions, our own status, and our own abilities will never bring us true peace and joy.

When I read the requests I receive for prayers at Catholic Charities, it seems many write to ask God for help with their need for a secure living situation, with safe housing for their families, and steady employment that will provide adequate finances to sustain good living conditions. When a stable life is found, it leads to a clearer mind, more peaceful soul and calmer heart, which eventually leads to happiness.

In the gospel of Matthews (Matthew 15: 21-28) we read a story of a mother and her daughter who were tormented by a demon.  Imagine this mother, caring for her tormented daughter, hearing others talking about Jesus and how he can heal and cast out demons.  Suddenly, she has a renewed sense of hope; maybe Jesus could heal her daughter, and end their torment.  Out of desperation and love, and with newfound hope, she was drawn to Jesus. 

When I was a kid, in the late summer, my brothers and I would go to an old farm and pick green apples. The ones we didn’t eat that actually made it home, my mother would use to make apple pie or apple crisp.  Served with ice cream or cool whip, it was a little taste of heaven. 

I want to be able to face anything the comes my way, no matter how trivial or troubling it might seem, with a calm, purposeful response. I want to have emotional reactions driven by pride, worry, or a need to control what’s going on around me. To know that in the end, things will work out and everything will be ok. I want this peace.