January 20
“Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, / but those who plan good have joy.” — Proverbs 12:20
God’s word teaches us that deceitful hearts seek revenge and harbor maliciousness. In contrast, the Scriptures also assure us that those who spread peace will have joy, both now and for eternity.
As the mother of Jesus, Mary knew how deceitful the human heart could be. But through her own commitment to God’s peace, Mary found deep joy, an attractive and genuine joy that radiated warmth for all. Our Blessed Mother waits for us to seek the peace that only her Son can bring. When we do, we, too, will find unexpected joy.
— Gina Sannasardo
CONSIDER THE OPPORTUNITIES in your life in which you can promote peace in the face of dissension or bitterness. Invite Mary to walk with you today, and to help you discover joy.
Prayer: Blessed Mother, come to our aide and be present with us as we stand against the deceit that tries to enter our hearts. Help us to live as sons and daughter of the Lord, that we may choose peace and find joy every day of our lives.
January 21
“For you shall go out in joy, / and be led forth in peace; / the mountains and the hills before you / shall break forth into singing / and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” — Isaiah 55:12
After my husband and I became empty nesters, we were able to travel to Israel. There, the imagery that Isaiah used in his writings became fully alive to us. The beautiful landscape brought us to tears. Our hearts overflowed with peace as we realized that these were the very places the Holy Family walked.
Jesus frequently invited his disciples to come away with him to a place for rest, to receive the peace that they needed to continue in their work. When we look to Mary as Jesus’ mother, we often forget that she was also his devoted disciple. Mary raised Jesus, but she also listened attentively to him. Surely Mary found peace in those same beautiful places in the countryside so she could return to the demands of her life as wife, mother, and disciple.
— Christine Grano
WHERE ARE THOSE PLACES in nature that fill you with God’s peace? Take some time to intentionally place yourself in the peace of God’s creation as Mary did.
Prayer: Dear Mary, you found refreshment and peace in God and in creation. Pray that we take time to follow your lead, and that we find for ourselves places of rest and peace.
January 22
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22-23
Jesus gifts us with the fruits of the Spirit to help us in our times of need and weakness. They serve as a guide and reminder that we are not alone, nor separated from the One who sent the Spirit. Jesus is always with us, providing, nurturing, and peacefully empowering us.
As the mother of Jesus, Mary’s entire life reflects the full complement of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. Mary knew what it meant to have peace, love, kindness, and joy in her daily life, for she walked each day with Jesus. As the mother of our Savior, Mary’s life is a living model for us to follow on how to act, serve, and walk in the footsteps of her Son. Mary offers us a road map of where to go and to whom we should turn to in times of need.
— Gina Sannasardo
TURN TO MARY today and invite her to show you the pathway to peace. Seek Mary’s assistance in deepening your relationship with the Lord, for then peace will reign in your heart.
Prayer: Blessed Mother, we joyfully look to you as our mother, help us as we seek to cultivate peace, kindness, and joy in our daily living.
January 23
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:15,17
When we allow Christ to control our hearts, Scripture assures us that we will be at peace. Then we can do everything in the name of Jesus and give thanks to God through Jesus.
As the mother of Jesus, Mary is here to help us draw closer to her Son, Jesus. As our prayer advocate, Mary gently shares our burdens so that we can have peace again in our hearts. Mary will walk with us when we are afraid. She will take us by the hand and lead us in the direction of her Son. Let us seek Mary’s motherly help in restoring peace to our weary souls.
— Lauren Nelson
IN WHAT WAYS does your life reflect the peace of Christ? Ask Mary to show you how to welcome peace in your life. In all of your actions, ask her to guide your every step and the choices you make.
Prayer: Mary, help me to go about my day with the peace of Christ in my heart directing my steps.
January 24
“Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” — Psalms 37:7
A number of years ago, a small art gallery announced a contest to create a painting that captured the theme “Peace.” Submissions poured in from all over. Finally, the day arrived to publicly announce the winner.
When the winning painting was unveiled, the crowd was stunned. A massive waterfall was depicted with water cascading down the rocky precipice. The gray sky was filling with ominous dark clouds. A spindly tree clung to the rocky cliff with its small branches reaching toward the waterfall. On one branch, a bird was nesting. Her wings spread serenely over three small eggs.
Mary lived in a tumultuous world. Her homeland was occupied by a foreign army and those in power were often brutal. Beatings, scourging, forced military service, slavery, confiscation and destruction of property were common. In the midst of this was God’s picture of peace: Mary.
Mary’s peace flowed from her closeness to God. She never lost sight of God and never forgot God was there. Mary knew that even if chaos surrounded her, she could lean on God. Mary “nested” in the Lord.
— Joseph Abel, PhD
MAKE TIME THIS DAY to sit in quiet solitude with God. Know that God is present. Invite him to fill you with his peace.
Prayer: O Mary, may we learn to trust God as deeply and completely as you did.
January 25
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:8-9
St. Paul teaches on what enables us to discover the peace of God. The qualities that Paul speak of are those that Mary models for us. Mary is genuine and has integrity; she is chaste, caring, kind, and welcoming. Mary lived all that is needed to have a peace-filled and loving relationship with God and others. It is no wonder, then, that one of Mary’s honorary titles is Queen of Peace.
These same qualities can also serve as a guide for us. When we make them part of our lives and choices, we will find peace.
— Mary Beth Desmond
CONSIDER YOUR OWN LIFE. In what ways can you integrate the qualities mentioned above into your life so that you may experience the peace of Christ?
Prayer: Mary, may your loving qualities serve as a model and guide for all I think, say, and do.
January 26
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” — Colossians