This week I got a call from a young woman who needed to share her fear and anxiety about the events of the world and where they are leading us. As we spoke, the words of the prayer I have prayed daily since before I was 10 sprung to my mind. And I thought once again, I can’t expect peace if I am not willing to be an instrument of it myself.
Since I was a child, the prayer attributed to St. Francis has been my morning offering and my examination of conscience before bed. In the morning, I pray that I might go forth aware of my responsibility to be an instrument of the LORD’s desire that we be whole and holy – that we be at peace – the peace He desires for us. And in the evening, I say the same words, but this time reflecting on how I did, if I was an instrument of the LORD’s peace or a sower of discord and dismantler of the LORD’s divine desire for us all.
Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Today discord and disharmony are visible all around us. Perhaps today, if we truly embrace what the LORD desires to accomplish for us, disciples of Christ, participants in His ongoing salvific mission, through our gift of self under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, perhaps the peace we all desire might take root.
Join with me this day in not only saying the words but seeking to live the promise.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Until tomorrow, let us all love well.