Memories of Peace

"Peace,  I leave you, my peace I give to you." These words are from the Gospel reading today. I can't help but reflect upon a year ago on May 1st. It was my first time volunteering at my local senior center. It was something that I felt called to do and an experience in which I was longing for for quite some time. I felt a surge of peace while walking into the facility and a wave of welcome and belonging. I knew deep down that this volunteer work was something I was meant for. It may seem like a small endeavor, but to me it was so much more. I knew all the hardships and pains that I had endured throughout the recent months had meaning and the endless wait was worth it. My prayers were answered.

May 1st, I have recently learned is dedicated to St. Joseph. A common name for him is St. Joseph the Worker. Weeks prior to gaining volunteer experience, I had been praying for a job, some kind of work that I desperately needed not just financially speaking but also for the social and mental benefits. I was aiming prayers to St. Joseph because I knew he was a man of diligent and committed work, a man of virtue. On his intercession day, my prayers and desires for work were answered. Though it wasn't a job with money being earned, my needs were met with meeting and talking with new people, learning new tasks and serving others. I was so happy to serve others, and instead of focusing on my needs, the concerns and satisfaction of local seniors were more important, and everyone was better for it. Every time I left after serving and cleaning up and taking off the brown OHK apron, the blue-gray greyhound hat that I borrowed from my Dad and the disposable plastic gloves, I felt a large wave of contentment and peace.

St. Joseph is the patron saint for various causes and places. I was interested to know that St. Joseph is the patron saint of Canada! It just so happens I will be traveling to Canada in a matter of days. I have learned much more about St. Joseph than I knew about him a year ago, and have seen his working hand in my life. I only want to continue to draw closer to him, and receive the peace that I need from him as well as his beloved Son.