Strong winds whip fiercely around the eye of the hurricane, but the eye remains calm. When you find yourself in an environment of busy, rushing chaos or conflict among people, keep your focus on your heart and pray. Ask the Lord to give you His peace. Beware of getting caught up in the drama. Refuse to take the tempting bait, an invitation to join in the passionate thoughts and feelings others that lead toward sin. Avoid feeding the storm by your own words and actions. If you feel the passion of anger, or other passion, rising within you, reject it in your mind and ask the Lord to purify your heart quickly. Pray for everyone involved that the Lord with bless them.
Do not emotionally react, but prayerfully, thoughtfully respond in harmony with the Way. You are not responsible for what others say and do to you, but what you say and do to others in return. Whatever is directed at you, only offer back what is pure and good in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Do not be deceived by thinking that because you are calm that you are better than others. Remember your own sins and be on guard for thoughts of self-righteousness and judgmental superiority. If you are victorious in a particular moment, realize that you have not reached the spiritual heights. Pride distracts us from watchfulness by filling us with self-satisfaction for our success. Maintain your humility. Remember your own faults. Do not judge others as worse than yourself, but rather, as a fellow sinner struggling to heal the passions, be a humble agent of peace and advocate for love. If you are successful, give thanks to God, who gave you the strength.
Read: Matthew 5.1-12; Mark 4.35-41; Romans 12:17-21; Colossians 3.1-17
Text copyright © 2018 by Fr. Symeon D. S. Kees