Now that the smoke and dust has settled from the United States mid-term elections, I had hoped that we might become more civil in our words and actions.

Unfortunately that hasn’t happened.

It’s time to take a new look at “The Prayer of Saint Francis” with the hope that it just might touch our spirits and give to us a new sense of purpose and direction.

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace,”

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Not peace on our terms-not political or convenient peace -

The kind of peace of being that Jesus represents as the very nature of our God

Sowing love rather than hatred.

Issuing pardon over injury.

Exhibiting faith which erases doubt.

Allowing hope and light to outshine despair and darkness,

and opens the door to joy rather than sadness.

We strive for consolation and understanding and Love.

There is more interest in giving than receiving.

Pardon and forgiveness reminds us of God’s graciousness to us,

as we live to make this world like God’s Eternal Kingdom.

Our focus is not on what prospers our petty whims and desires - building walls and solidifying camps, but what opens the door to create a God Centered Community where we find it possible to live as supporting and encouraging brothers and sisters.

Thanks to St. Francis who reminds us of who we are called to be.