With the recent violence and tragedy in Paris, Beirut, and throughout the world, it can be challenging to continue to hope for peace in the world--the peace of Christ, the Prince of Peace. As Christians, we accept that we live in a fallen world and the cross is a reality. We accept that suffering and death are part of this journey, but that the ultimate reality is the Resurrection. We also accept that peace begins in our own hearts, our own families, and then radiates out into the world. In order to help us keep our eye on this reality and the eternal peace that we can only acheive through Christ, here are 14 beautiful quotes on peace from St. Theresa of Avila--a beloved saint and mystic. 

1. "Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything."

This is a great challenge when we witness such vicious acts of violence and attacks against innocent life in the world. We must continue to trust in God's wisdom and mercy and persevere in prayer for all involved. Christ has is no stranger to suffering and loss, let us turn to him with our questions and our prayers, praying always "Jesus, we trust in you."

2. "May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." 

We sometimes lose sight of our own purpose and how we are meant to play a part in bringing peace to the world. So often it starts here: with internal peace--a peace with Our Lord and a deep sense of rest in the creation He has made us. Such a peace radiates out into our families and our communities. Cultivated in each of us, it could bring about great change in our world. And yet, suffering and death, pain and loss, will all continue to be part of our experience. Let us pray to be instruments of peace even in moments when it seems the battle is lost. Let us never submit to the lie that violence is victorious. 

3. "The closer one approaches to God, the simpler one becomes."

We have many worries in our world. Many of these are legitimate and valid, but some demand time and energy that would be better spent elsewhere. If we could all strive for deeper relationship with God, we would naturally release many of the worries, fears, and anxieties that separate us from one another and cause conflict between individuals, and, on a larger scale, between nations. It starts with each one of us. 

4. "Reflect upon the providence and wisdom of God in all created things and praise Him in them all."

It is challenging to understand why tragedies happen in our world. We know that God does not cause these tragedies, but that they are allowed to happen in accordance with our gift of free will. God does not take free will away from those who would abuse it. Still, how can we look on a tragic incident and see God's providence? One way is to dwell on the stories of heroism and courage that arise in crisis. Yes, we see great evil. But even devastating evil cannot comepletely wipe out the goodness and beauty of love. Look for the heroes--look for God in the wreckage and you will find Him glimmering through the stories of many souls that rose up to protect and aide those around them even at their own risk and self-sacrifice. 

5. "Truth suffers, but never dies."

This is so important to remember! Peace comes from remembering that the battle with death has been fought and won by Our Lord Jesus Christ. In light of everyday trials, and even in light of deep distress, we can find peace in the resiliance of truth and goodness.

6. "In this distress, — for then I had never had a single vision, — these Thy words alone were enough to remove it, and give me perfect peace: 'Be not afraid, my daughter: it is I; and I will not abandon thee. Fear not.'"

Let us take great solace in Our Lord's promises. Our experience and the world may not be the greatest witnesses of peace, but, again, look a little deeper and you might be surprised at the strength and perservance of the light. We will not be abondoned, though much may be required of us.  

7. "To have courage for whatever comes in life — everything lies in that."

Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the victory of peace over fear. 

8. "The tree that is beside the running water is fresher and gives more fruit."

If we desire peace, let us cultivate peace in ourselves and in our hearts.

9. "We need no wings to go in search of Him, but have only to look upon Him present within us."

May we always be assured of God's presence with us and be filled with the peace that comes of that assurance. 

10. "The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too."

When we are overcome by sadness, fear, or suffering; when the pains of loss overwhelm us; when evil seems to have taken power; let us look to the cross and be filled with peace, knowing that Christ has walked this road and walks it now with us and with all our brothers and sisters. 

11. "Pain is never permanent."

Again, we can find peace in the eternal promise of peace. No matter what assails us here on earth, it is temporary. Peace is everlasting. 

12. "Christ has no body now, but yours. No hands, no feet on earth, but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ looks compassion into the world.Yours are the feet with which Christ walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which Christ blesses the world."

This is a beautiful reminder to us about where peace comes from. So often when I witness suffering and tragedy, I find myself saddened by my helplessness. What can I do in the face of such pain and loss? Only something very small. It may never reach those in need directly, but it could reach someone else in need--someone in my own community. It could be the difference between a sense of belonging and a sense of isolation. This beautiful quote echoes the prayer of St. Francis: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

13. "Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul."

Peace will only reign if we can learn to love. Love destroys pursuit of self, pursuit of power, pursuit of wealth, and so many other desires that can so easily be foundations of violence and conflict. 

14. "You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him."

Sometimes we may feel like we will never see peace in the world. We must persevere in prayer for peace. Nothing is impossible with God. 

Which is your favorite quote? Tell in the comments below.