Finding Inner Peace: A Reflection on Sacre-Coeur Basilica, Paris

To be peaceful does not mean being in a place with no troubles, noise or turmoil, but to live in the midst of those things and still feel quiet and calm in your heart. – Author Unknown

Some days I sit down to write and the words come with ease. Other days I write and rewrite. Each sentence is an exercise in pain. Every paragraph is a workout in strength and endurance. This is one of those “other”days.

Sacre-Coeur has a special place in my heart. Interestingly, for political reasons, having to do with the Paris Commune, the Basilica has been criticized by leftist journalists and politicians. Although, I didn’t know this at the time I was there, it doesn’t change my views. The only thing I felt when I sat in its nave, on that day, was an overwhelming sense of peace.

In the world we live in, today, peace is elusive.The country is in a state of chaos. Right decisions must be made, but what are they? After the constitutional convention, Ben Franklin when asked what sort of government had been created, said, “A republic, if you can keep it.” That now becomes the question.

Since a visit to Sacre-Coeur isn’t practical in this moment, I’ve been contemplating other methods to achieve peace during these tense times. Prayer, meditation, disconnecting from the phone, turning off the tv, all are worth a try. Charles Swindoll writes, “We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is attitude – I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you – we are in charge of our attitudes.” I may not agree with all of Swindoll’s beliefs, but I find common ground in his thoughts on attitude. I consider our faith personal and individual to each one of us. Because I don’t share your beliefs does not mean I cannot acknowledge some points of agreement.

This morning, I am willing to accept peace wherever I can find it. Whether in the hallowed walls of Sacre-Coeur Basilica or the humble confines of my desk. May this day bring you peace.