Terrorism of the Heart‏

Dearest Ones,

We were all reminded of the terrorism attack of 9/11, as we remembered the brave men and women who gave their lives in trying to help others. We call to mind all the security which has been put into place since 9/11 to protect our bodies, but the security to protect our souls is even more necessary. Most of us will never fly airplanes into towers or blow up buildings, but we do "blow up" people's character, their dignity, good name and reputation when we destroy them by gossip. This is "terrorism of the heart." We may not be suicide bombers, but actually, we kill our own souls, God's life within us, when we destroy our neighbor's good name. I wonder why is it so easy to see the splinter in our neighbor's eye and to be so easily blinded to the plank in our own? When we judge another to be less important than we are, we play right into Satan's plan for our destruction. Of course, parents and teachers must judge children's actions, police must judge offenders when necessary, but this is only to guide them to a happier, more peaceful life. The fight against terrorism will never end until we fight terrorism in our hearts. Jesus really turned the world upside down when He said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you. If you love those who love you, what credit shall you get? Even sinners do that. If you do good only to those who do good to you, what reward shall you receive for that? Sinners do the same." These thoughts were unheard of, absurd and didn't make any sense to the people who lived at the time of Jesus. Why did Jesus ask us to do these things, which seem so hard? He did it for our own peace, not to make our life hard. The devil wants us to pay back evil for evil and take revenge. It takes a lot of anger to get even. But God says He will punish the evildoers - He didn't tell us to do it. That's His business, His job. If we are tempted to judge and repay evildoers, it helps to take the Bible and read Luke Ch. 6:27-36. Memorize it, study it, as if you were cramming for final exams. Say out loud to the devil that you are going to do what Jesus asks, not what he, the devil, wants us to do. Society says "get even," but that is not what Jesus did. You may think there is no way you will be able to do what Jesus asks. And you're right, you can't do it alone. But God can do it in you. In order for God to do it in you, you have to believe He is in you, helping you. Many people don't believe God is in them because they don't think they're good enough - they're not perfect. They listen to the devil whispering things like, "You're no good. God could never stand to come inside your heart." Of course, we're not perfect and never will be in this world. God knows that. He came for sinners. How He longs to help us. He wants us to be happy and free."Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarreling, harsh words and dislike of others should have no place in your lives." -Ephesians 4:31. We all need to be holy because we are children of God. Jesus, I ask you to make all my friends holy. Ask Our Lady, Queen of Peace, to give us peace and pray for not only an end to terrorism throughout the world, but an end of terrorism in our hearts."The Lord will keep in perfect peace, those who put their trust in Him." - Isaiah.

Sister Francelle