October 20, 2026 // Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time // Optional Memorial of Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest [In the Dioceses of the United States]

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm: Psalm 85:8-14 

Reflect on the Word // 

I stare out the window as my leg jiggles up and down. I have so much nervous energy coursing through me that I can’t keep still. My mind is running down a long list of things that are worrying me, and the news I just received didn’t help. Someone I love received a serious negative health diagnosis and the weight of it all is bringing tears to my eyes. 

As I think about today’s First Reading, the verse “For he is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14) keeps echoing in my mind. The Psalms continue to bring the point home: “The Lord speaks of peace to his people” (Psalm 85:9). However, instead of comforting me, it angers and annoys me. How am I supposed to find peace in this chaos, Lord? Why do You make this so difficult? I am tired of this and I am mad at You for not stopping it. 

I feel like a toddler overwhelmed with big feelings and lashing out against any attempt of comfort. God waits for me until the right moment; then He reaches out and holds me as I cry. Slowly I can feel my anger subsiding and I cling to Him, begging for strength as I recall the Psalm again: “I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord—for he proclaims peace” (Psalm 85:9).

There is no promise of an easy life, quite the opposite. There are seasons when life is sweet and we relish all the simple joys it has to offer. In other seasons, serious issues and life circumstances can bring us down and weigh heavy on our hearts. It’s okay to be honest with God and share exactly what we are feeling, but we also pray for the grace to listen and humbly allow Him to speak to our hearts. He assures us that we aren’t alone and His peace is ours for the asking.

Relate to the Lord // Pray with us this prayer for inner peace.