The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me so love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is error, truth; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

This portion of the prayer of Saint Francis is just a reminder of how each one of us is called to spread peace in our lives and in our world. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.!

And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? Luke 12:25

“Worry will distract you from the treasures ahead. Instead, keep love and happiness in your heart. Lift your spirits and stay alert to the gifts around you. Don’t waste your time wondering what others may think. You are the only one who has walked in your shoes. You are the most qualified to decide what path you will take.

Fill your journey with love and harmony, joy and bliss. Look at the world through the eyes of a child, and carry your memories in a heart filled with love and peace.” – Christina Curtis

 Worrying does distract us from what lies ahead. So many times we waste time and energy worrying about what will happen.

I love the song ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy.’ Of course, it is easier said than done. Let us stop and look at the world through the eyes of a child; knowing that God loves us and is always with us.

“Every morning you are handed twenty-four golden hours. They are some of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn’t buy an extra hour. What will you do with the priceless treasure?” Author unknown

Time is a gift that God gives to us each day. God also gives us the freedom to choose what we want to do with that time. Let us take some time each day, to stop and thank God for the many gifts that are given to us.

Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12



“The golden rule is one of the core teachings of Jesus. Most of us could recite it from the time we were children and have had a lifetime to practice it. Why, then, do we still struggle to live it? All around us, we see examples of disrespect and cruelty. We may even be guilty of that ourselves. We fail to love one another, in ways big and small. Sometimes we even struggle to be civil. We practice a cheap substitute of the golden rule instead. We treat others well if they agree with us, share our faith, belong to the same political party and treat us well in return. Like it or not, though, the Lord’s command is simpler and clearer than that: ‘Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.’ In short, love one another – everyone, always.

Lord Jesus, help me to live as you command!” Karla Manternach

This reflection certainly fit in with what I was talking about on Wednesday. it is a great reminder that we are called to love everyone no matter what their views. Each one of us can start the peace process by beginning in our own little world.

“Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We all are children of chance, and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun.

Care for those around you. Look past your differences. Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices in life no more easily made.

And give. Give in any way you can, of whatever you possess. To give is to love. To withhold is to wither. Care less for your harvest then for how it is shared, and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.” – Kent Nerburn

I think this reflection is very appropriate for what we are going through at this point in time.

I’ve heard of too many people who are no longer friends because of political differences.

The cancel culture is so inhumane and not open to people with different ideas.

Years ago Democrats and Republicans could discuss issues and remain friends and yet now it is so divisive. 

Let us take that energy and put it into caring for one another.