The Gospel of John 20:26

Several years ago the sociology department of Duke University did a study on “Peace of Mind.” By carefully examining the different attitudes and habits of people who were enjoying peace of mind and those who generally felt unhappy and under pressure, they discovered eight factors which contributed to emotional and mental stability.

1.- The absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness.
2.- Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression.
3.- Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it.
4.- Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress.
5.- Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal. Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune.
6.- Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues-love, honor, compassion and loyalty.
7.- Do not expect too much of yourself. When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of inadequacy are inevitable.
8.- Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Self-centered, egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness.

When you read these eight points which describe people who have “peace of mind”, you will see how God’s will and your faith in Christ are essential in every one of them. The forgiveness of sins by God’s grace, the conviction that “all things work together for good to those who love God.” accepting ourselves as imperfect, and commitment to the vision of God’s redeeming plans for the world. All of these Christian truths help us take these practical steps toward living with “peace of mind.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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