Peacemakers

One of the most venerated Roman Catholic “saints” of all time is Francis of Assisi, who was born into a wealthy Italian merchant family.

On February 24, 1208, Francis attended Mass, and that day the priest read Jesus’ instructions to the Twelve (Matthew 10:5–10).

From that day, Francis devoted himself to a life of poverty.

He became an itinerant evangelist and later founded the monastic Order of Friars Minor. The famous “Peace Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi,” traditionally credited to his authorship, is thought-provoking for every believer.

O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is discord, harmony.

Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sorrow, joy.

Oh 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. Today, God grants you another opportunity to be “the salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13, 14), and you can make a difference in the lives of those around you. May the love of God shine through you today and every day!