Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

We expect that the Resurrection would immediately have brought peace to God’s people. Yet the stories we hear of the aftermath sound a little like mayhem. Confusion at the tomb. The disciples running to see for themselves what the women said they experienced at the tomb. Reminders from Jesus not to be afraid. Tears. Clinging. Inability to recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus. What a time!

I think about our many blessings because we know the rest of the story. We don’t have to experience the mayhem that the disciples had. We can see this time of Easter as a relief, a reminder of the gift of the Resurrection. And yet, we live in a time that is not peaceful. Bombs are dropping. Drones are threatening. Blockades are obstructing. Children are dying.  

The prayer that is often called the Prayer of St. Francis was actually written in 1913, and became popularized during World War I. Because of its focus, and having been printed on a poster with an image of St. Francis, it has been attributed to him. Surely this prayer was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

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;
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.

Blessed Angela:

“May the blessing of Saint Francis accompany you everywhere and at every moment, may it sanctify all your endeavors, may it fill you with His spirit, that as His child you should perform His works.”