Peace of Mind

11-14-2021The Pastor's PenFr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.

Dear Friend,

Catholic University of America did a study on “peace of mind.” The absence of suspicion and resentment. Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness. Factors found to contribute greatly to emotional and mental stability are:

• Not living in the past. An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and failures leads to depression. Many saints tell us this is a familiar trap of the Devil.
• Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Cooperate with God, instead of trying to run away from Him.
• Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive during periods of emotional stress.
• Refuse to indulge in self-pity when you think life hands you a "raw deal. "Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some sorrow and misfortune.
• Cultivate real virtues, such as love, humor, compassion and loyalty.
• 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.
• Find Someone bigger than yourself to believe in, and, that Someone is Jesus.

And keep in mind, self-centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for measuring happiness.

Finally, pray always and never lose heart.