Earlier this week, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of St Francis of Assisi (4 October). In one of his homilies Pope Francis said “The peace of Saint Francis is the peace of Christ, and it is found by those who 'take up' their 'yoke', namely, Christ's commandment: Love one another as I have loved you (cf. John 13:34; 15:12). This yoke cannot be borne with arrogance, presumption or pride, but only with meekness and humbleness of heart."
We turn to you, Francis, and we ask you: Teach us to be 'instruments of peace', of that peace which has its source in God, the peace which Jesus has brought us.
Franciscan Prayer of Blessing
May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers,
half-truths and superficial relationships,
so that we will live deeply in our hearts.
May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression
and exploitation of people and the earth,
so that we will work for justice, equity and peace.
May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer,
so that we will reach out our hands
to comfort them and change their pain to joy.
And may God bless us with the foolishness to think that
we can make a difference in our world,
so that we will do the things which others say cannot be done.
Amen
