Weekly Meditation March 9, 2009

Lent is the time we strive to grow in living a genuine lifestyle based on the example and clear values and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our Lent can bring us closer to our goal if we incorporate even a bit more the lifestyle we propose and seek when we say with awareness and sincerity the Prayer for Peace of St. Francis of Assisi.


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;
and 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 and 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.


As we reflect on these requests calmly, slowly and honestly and act on them during these days of Lent we will no doubt touch in some ways on the three fold program of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Bishop William R. Houck
President Emeritus