Ho! Ho! Ho! Just when all of our seasonal organizing seems to be in order, concerns and roadblocks appear en masse. Will Uncle Henry like the socks and matching sweater? Is anyone else getting tired of our annual ham and green bean casserole? Did the airlines really just cancel that flight? It's hard to find peace with all of the goings-on. Divisive politics sure don't make it any easier. But now is exactly the right time to seek it and to make it. There are more people who will lead us in that direction than those that tend to lead us away. Police Chaplains who come through the fog of tragedy to listen and hold the hands of those stricken with grief are a perfect example. And there are others.
My hometown in Illinois was richly blessed by the life of Rev Charles Bourke Motsett who could truly be called Danville's pastor. He was one of those people who made peace. A Roman Catholic priest, there was nobody of any denomination or religious persuasion who felt left out of his ministry. Hardly a civic function, school sporting event, or service club meeting took place without him being there. We lived across the street and Father Motsett was ever-present. I can easily envision him with a stopwatch at Schlarman High School athletic events shouting encouragement to runners. He occasionally came over to our house at Happy Hour to have a drink and lively conversation with my Dad. They were both avid sports fans and Dad had been a University of Illinois track star which delighted Motsett who was student manager of Notre Dame’s football squad under Knute Rockne. He provided sometimes strict but always loving guidance to me both before I became a Catholic and after. His greeting of; "May peace be with each and every one of you good people" still brings a smile to my face. Once when I was struggling with some significant inner darkness, he shared the deathbed letter of Chicago’s Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. It was a prayer that brought me peace and helped me find my way.
What I would like to leave behind is a simple prayer that each of you may find what I have found—God’s special gift to us all: the gift of peace. When we are at peace, we find the freedom to be most fully who we are, even in the worst of times. We let go of what is nonessential and embrace what is essential. We empty ourselves so that God may more fully work within us. And we become instruments in the hands of the Lord ~ Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
Monsignor Charles Motsett died at age 98. He never demonstrated against wars fought by armies but waged an ongoing battle with forces that destroy inner harmony. For he knew full well that external strife is fueled by internal chaos. Resentment, fear, anger, greed, envy, and sadness are the culprits. When we discover where peace dwells in our own hearts and dispel the violence within, we will be able to become makers of peace in our relationships and in every step we take. Helpers, teachers, and guides are available. What better time than Christmas and the seasons of light for such a transformation. Lord make me an instrument of your peace.