Active Membership Pillar: Engagement in at least one parish ministry

"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle and compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy and insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace," (James 3:17).

This quote challenges us to be peaceful, gentle, thoughtful and kind. These words do not go well with today's society in which there is so much emphasis on war, on retribution, and on division. We have a hard time knowing who is telling the truth, and we are often confused about what is the right thing to do or say. At the end of the day, we are truly challenged to find the right path. But we are reassured that the correct path is peaceful. We are reminded that we are not the ones who get to decide, but rather, we are the ones who carry the message of peace, calm, and gentleness to others. These characteristics require each of us to practice a kind of emotional mastery that is not easy. It takes prayer, discernment and self-control. When we practice our faith and serve God, the true master, we are blessed with a greater capacity to listen and to be peaceful. We recognize that we can only control ourselves and in doing that we are living examples of God's grace. Jesus is our example of this living faith, and He reminds us that He is with us as we learn to be true disciples.