Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." ~John 14:27

As a busy college student, I have often struggled to embrace the peace that God has graced us with. At this point in my life I find that the place I find the most peace is St. Stephen's (the Catholic student center on campus.) I find peace in knowing that the people there will always welcome me with open arms and will always make time for me if I'm struggling with something. The individuals at St. Stephen's all have a level of faith that is inspiring. The students are there because they WANT to be there, not because their parents are MAKING them be there. I think that in itself says quite a bit about them. 

It's not just the people, though. I find the building itself peaceful, no matter if it's Sunday morning and filled with students and community members, or a Thursday evening when there's just a few souls around. The spot I cherish the most, however, is the chapel: the front corner where the piano is located. Whether it be bright on a Sunday morning or dimly lit on a weekday, it's where I can let myself go. Unfortunately, I have been playing the piano less for pleasure lately, as I have had wrist pain. Still, on days where things are just not going my way, I will take five minutes-enduring the pain-and play my heart out. Occasionally I will sing as I play, and often times my friend Peter (who is MUCH better at playing piano than me) will play as I sing. 

This front corner of the chapel is also where I stand when I cantor for mass every so often. 

“For he who sings praise, does not only praise, but also praises joyfully; he who sings praise, not only sings, but also loves Him whom he is singing about/to/for. There is a praise-filled public proclamation (praedicatio) in the praise of someone who is confessing/acknowledging (God), in the song of the lover (there is) love."

Where do you find peace?