9 Sept 2016
The U.S. Bishops have made today a day of “Prayer for Peace
in Our Communities.” This is in light of
the rising tensions in our country between races, political parties,
minorities, and so on. And, of course,
we could easily make this is a day of prayer for peace in our own local
communities.
Last night I was outside around 10:00. There was a light breeze, the air was
comfortable, there weren’t any cars on the road. Everything was quiet. The stars were twinkling above, and the moon
was bright. And just then all the
problems of the world seemed to be so small, so insignificant. If only people would learn to live in
peace.
But that’s hard to do when egos are big. It’s hard to do when people stop thinking and
live only according to their passions.
It’s hard to live in peace when humility and shame are scarce. You know, it’s true: “Pride goes before the
fall.” And “everyone who wishes to save
their life, will lose it.” It’s hard to live
in peace when everybody’s trying to be right.
On this day of “Prayer for Peace in Our Communities,” we pray
for peace, of course. But we pray
especially for an increase in: humility and charity, prudence and wisdom, and a
spirit of reconciliation and mercy—all those things which make for peace. And we also seek the help of all the angels
of God, especially the Prince of the Heavenly Host, as we pray together:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and
snares of the devil. May God rebuke him,
we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of
God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
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