Book Study #6: Searching for and Maintaining Peace

This is the sixth episode of a six part book study over "Searching for and Maintaining Peace" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. I am joined by Katie Novitsky and Stefani Blackwell, and we go over part 3 of the book.

Part 3 is a robust summary of everything from the book using the quotes of saints. Saints are great models for us as we try to grow in holiness. Being just regular people like us, we can relate to their struggles and learn tactics and thought patterns from them that help us as we grow in virtue and fall further in love with God. Use these quotes to help remind you of some of the things we have learned through this book, and if there is a particular saint that stands out to you from these quotes, take that as an invitation to get to know that saint more and ask for their intercession. Just like you might ask a friend to pray for an intention, you can ask a saint! As we know from James 5:16, "The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful."

Episode schedule:

January 21st - preface, pt 1: ch 1-3

January 28th - pt. 1: ch 4-7

February 4th - pt. 2, ch 1-6

February 11th - pt. 2, ch 7-12

February 18th - pt. 2, ch 13-18

February 25th - pt. 3

Discussion Questions:

1. How was your week? Was there anything from last week's discussion that stayed with you throughout the week?
2. Share one saint quote that was especially meaningful to you. 
3. Is there a saint whose writing style/thoughts particularly stand out to you? Maybe this is your invitation to get to know that saint more!
4. As you look back at this entire book, what is one thing that stands out to you? How can you continue to remember this message?
5. As Katie reminds us, you cannot give true peace if you don't have it yourself. Who in your life needs peace right now? Are there any ideas from this book that can help you be a peaceful presence in their life?
6. When hearing the story of Martha and Mary, who do you relate to more? Is it possible to maintain a spirit of peace, even when you have a lot of tasks to complete?
7. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. What does it mean to "boast" of our weaknesses, and how can it bring us closer to God?
8. Pg. 106 - 107 speaks on living in the present moment. Take a moment to pray for God to relinquish you from regrets of the past and from fears of the future. Pray for each person present that God may claim their soul for Himself and enliven each moment of their days.