August 2026 Reflections of God's Goodness

All my life it seems, the world has longed for peace. We grew up praying for peace in the world. Later as adults we added praying for peace in our hearts. Today wars and threats of war continue to hold the world hostage, and we continue to struggle to trust God with our safety, security and happiness. Peace, it seems, is elusive.

Pope Leo XIV began his journey as Pope with these words to all of us:

“Peace be with you all! … It is the peace of the risen Christ. A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering. A peace that comes from God, the God who loves us all unconditionally.” Pope Leo XIV: Greetings to Rome and to the World, May 8, 2025

Jesus often spoke of peace to his followers. “'I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.’”  John 16:33

“Shalom, my friends,” was often on the lips of Jesus. A well-known Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann, writes about how shalom is the flourishing of all life in right relationship with God, with one another, and with creation itself. 

Our hearts desire God. He created us that way. He created us for peace, connection, and relationship. We truly want to believe and trust in God to the point that fear and worry go away. This surrender is difficult in the face of suffering or conflict. We do want the peace Jesus promises.

“So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”  Hebrews 4:16

How can we grow in our faith and trust in God? We need to prioritize quiet time with God. We need to ask God for the peace He promised. Start today with just ten minutes. If that is too difficult, find a quiet place for just five minutes to thank and praise God and ask for His peace.

Throughout the day, use short prayers whenever needed. It takes only a minute to repeat, “Thank you, Lord,” or “Jesus, I trust in you,” or “Come, Holy Spirit,” or “Into your hands,” or other favorites. Trusting God is an act of the will; don’t be fooled by feelings. Pray for spiritual eyes. Praise and thank God for every small miracle in your life.

Rest assured, I pray for you as Paul did in Thessalonians:

“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”   2 Thessalonians 3:16

Blessings and Peace,

Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35