The Tranquil Heart

~~~Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church~~~

~~~ Isaiah 7:1-9 ~~~ Psalm 48 ~~~ Matthew 11:20-24 ~~~

Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear;

let not your courage fail...

To remain tranquil is not always easy to accomplish.

When it seems that your world is crashing down

 around you tranquility is not on your mind.

If you search for images of the word tranquil

 you see calm water, gentle water falls, stillness of nature.

What you do not find are and images depicting fearful situations.

Being tranquil is being in a state of rest and peace.

There is no commotion, tumult or fear in the tranquil heart.

To have a tranquil heart means you know how

 and when to trust in the Lord.

It takes courage to remain tranquil 

when the storms of life are surrounding you.

To remain tranquil means you must be strong

 in spite of your initial reaction to flee.

What does tranquil mean to you?

What image do you see first when you think of the word tranquil?

The tranquil heart is not empty or void of understanding.

The tranquil heart does not ignore the obvious.

The tranquil heart takes its courage from the Lord, 

especially when facing fear.

When are you in most need of being in this tranquil state?

Tranquility is not an out of body experience, 

but it is one of complete surrender to the will of the Father.

It is the ability to pray under any circumstances...

whether it is in a busy airport or a private convent chapel.

To remain tranquil is to be in a state

 open to receiving the Blessings of the Lord.

To be tranquil is like floating alone in a quiet pool of cool water.

To be tranquil is like being a single orchard bloom on a long slender stem.

No matter what is happening around you remain tranquil,

do not fear, or let your courage wane.

You will not be abandoned or forsaken...the Lord is at your side.

~~~Peace~~~