# Give Us Peace: Opening Our Hearts to God
*2015-12-07*

> Bill reflects on a recent Mother Teresa film, prays for her canonization miracle, and shares a reading from John 14:27 with a prayer for peace.

## A Movie Night with Mother Teresa

My wife and I went to see the new film about Mother Teresa, "Letters," which opened in U.S. theaters on Friday. There were only three showings—4 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m.—and we caught the 10 p.m. slot after dinner, Mass, and a quick stop at Hobby Lobby for candles. To our surprise, only four people were in the theater: my wife, a Black couple, and me. While the small audience was disappointing, the movie itself was powerful. It reminded me that Mother Teresa’s whole life was about taking the credit for her work and giving it all to the Lord.

## Praying for Mother Teresa’s Second Miracle

Before seeing the film, I wondered why Mother Teresa had not yet been declared a saint, especially since Pope John Paul II had spoken of her holiness. The movie reinforced that her sanctity rests not on human recognition but on God’s grace. I now pray that the Church may recognize a second miracle for her canonization. As a saint, she would stand as a powerful intercessor against evil and a model of self‑sacrificial love for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and the dying—especially as we enter the Year of Mercy, when the Pope calls us to be merciful.

We ask, "Blessed Mother Teresa, pray for a second miracle, that God may grant it according to His will."

## Scripture Reading: John 14:27

Our reading today comes from John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This verse frames our theme—peace.

## Prayer for Peace

Lord, diffuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, that we may become brothers and sisters, living lives of shalom—true peace.

*True peace comes from Christ and is lived out when we follow the example of saints like Mother Teresa.*