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

I have been looking at the Peace Prayer that is often attributed to St. Francis. We know that the first time it appeared in print was in Normandy, France in the early 1900s. The message is clearly inspired by the Holy Spirit.  One petition says, “Where there is hatred, let me sow love.” In this petition, we we are reminded that love leads to the diminishment of self for the sake of the other, while hatred leads to the devaluing and even death of the other for the sake of self.

St. Francis emphasized the care for the other. He took care of the lepers who were forced to live outside the city walls of Assisi and rely solely on begging. While others who came across these unfortunate people on their path were filled with disdain and even hatred, Francis sought to relieve their suffering.  

We hope for the kind of love that overcomes hatred. Love dismantles rejection. Love requires inclusion. We know that God loves every being, that he created all in love. How can we hate someone who God loves so much? Love forgives the actions of others. St. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 that love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

And so, we are called to sow love, not hatred. Love should be central in our lives. Blessed Angela demonstrated her love for those who were left behind and ignored in her city: the poor and the orphaned. These unloved people received the generous care and love of Blessed Mary Angela and her congregation of sisters.

We ask for the kind of love that warms human hearts and guides us to the care of all of creation. And may our love also stir up the love in others, that they also might have their hearts set on fire, so that there is no room for hatred.

Blessed Angela: “Without love for our neighbor, the greatest deeds, most highly praised by people, do not bring us any merit.”