be a peacemaker...not a peace taker!

 

  "The Lord loves a cheerful giver. May we learn to be generous in giving, free from the love of material possessions." ー Pope Francis

 

Prayer of St Francis

 

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.

This prayer is so beautiful. What images do you have when you see it/hear it? To me, it denotes responsibility. We each need to become responsible for peace, be it in our homes, our workplaces, our communities and the world at large. It does NOT mean that if someone cuts you off on the road, that you flip the finger at them. Nor does it mean that when asked, you make an excuse as to why you cannot help another. It does not mean that you say one thing, then do another. It does not seek out revenge or pain for another. 

So many times, I hear stories about how people want peace. Great! So do I! So what are you doing to promote that? Be a peace-filled person. Look out for the best for someone else. Even if they seem unlikeable, like them anyway. Go the extra mile. Even if no one recognizes the good that you have done, you will know it...isn't it a great feeling to help out another? And God knows it also.