Fifteenth Thursday in Ordinary Time

The way of the just is smooth; the path of the just you make level. Yes, for your way and your judgments, O LORD, we look to you; Your name and your title are the desire of our souls. My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you; When your judgment dawns upon the earth, the world's inhabitants learn justice. O LORD, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done.

God gives those who follow Him a peace that cannot be shaken by temptations, worries, and other worldly fears. It isn't a peace that promises no harm will come to us or we won't suffer, but rather if we choose to do God's Will, He will give us a sense of calm even in the midst of our sometimes-stormy lives. He will smooth out our path to Him with consolations, inspirations, and other graces that will help us through our dark nights. All we must do is keep His commandments, love Him, and love His children. This is the vigil He wants us to keep and one we can all succeed at if we prepare our souls for the trials of the night and trust in His Goodness.

Do we pray for God's peace to sustain us throughout our days and our lives? Are we willing to suffer patiently in order to do God's Will? How can we stand vigil and do everything God wants us to do with our time, talents, and treasures?

O Lord, smooth our ways and grant us your peace so we might accomplish your Will in all things.

Amen.