On October 2, we celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels, those recognized as Saints and those whose presence and absence guides us in a time when we are physically distant but connected through our contemplative lives.
In this season of change, as the leaves teach us again to let go of what is no longer needed and release into the promise of Spring resurrection, we draw upon the wisdom of Saint Francis.
We invite you to take a few moments today to step outside. Breathe in the air of change. Look up and see the sky that is big enough to hold our deepest concern. Be present to the grace showering upon us.
From this place of presence, touch something of nature – a tree, a branch, the ground, a blade of grass – and let the Prayer of Saint Francis invite you to be an instrument of peace this day.
Prayer of Saint 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;
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.
Señor, haz de mi un instrumento de tu paz.
Que allá donde hay odio, yo ponga el amor.
Que allá donde hay ofensa, yo ponga el perdón.
Que allá donde hay discordia, yo ponga la unión.
Que allá donde hay error, yo ponga la verdad.
Que allá donde hay duda, yo ponga la Fe.
Que allá donde desesperación, yo ponga la esperanza.
Que allá donde hay tinieblas, yo ponga la luz.
Que allá donde hay tristeza, yo ponga la alegría.
Oh Señor,
que yo no busque tanto ser consolado, cuanto consolar,
ser comprendido, cuanto comprender,
ser amado, cuanto amar.
Porque es dándose como se recibe,
es olvidándose de sí mismo como uno se encuentra a sí mismo,
es perdonando, como se es perdonado,
es muriendo como se resucita a la vida eterna.
Amén.
Reflection: Bridget Bearss, RSCJ
Image: Photo by the late Georgie Blaeser, RSCJ
