It is about peace AND love.
I have been at a Franciscan Renewal Center the last week for my conference. It is a beautiful, peaceful place… with lots of images and statues of St. Francis everywhere. Of course.
Out in this prayer garden area, I found this tree with a simple swing and the sign that asks for “peace and good”… though I first read it as “peace and love.” I like the pairing of these two words – peace AND love.
Today many will celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. I know my twins are eager to give away their Valentines at school and receive ones back as well – a small sign of care for their classmates.
It made me think, however, about the larger, more impactful signs of care we can show one another if we are committed to peace AND love.
My prayer for you and me this morning is from St. Francis of Assisi who demonstrated a great love for all of creation:
“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.”
How can you be about peace AND love today?
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
