Believe, Pray, Act

(Strength to Love, by Martin Luther King)

Although Martin Luther King did not compose this particular prayer, I believe it embodies his life and legacy. May we believe it, pray it, and act upon it today. 

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your hearts.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Amen.

(A Franciscan Benediction, Sr. Ruth Marlene Fox, 1985)

*previously posted here

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play

And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

I love this season of anticipation and joy; of Christmas carols and kids pageants. I love connecting with friends and family who share warm wishes of good cheer as well as photos of their holiday gatherings on social media. Early in the season, silly issues tried to mar the holiday spirit (red coffee cups, anyone?). Yet recently, other more serious matters have since taken center stage. Extreme violence, racist posturing, and xenophobic chatter have dominated social media. Sadly, I finally understand the words by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

Still, I can't help but remember Isaiah's prophetic message of peace has been pealing through the ages since he foretold of the coming Prince of Peace. At our Savior's birth, the heavenly host quieted the shepherds announcing peace to all the earth. On a mountainside so long ago, Jesus blessed the peacemakers calling them children of God. Even in the deafening cacophony of fear and hate, I can choose to join my voice with heaven's proclamation this holy season to share God's message of hope and peace.

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men

Saint Francis once prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Alone, my small voice and unassuming presence can't change the world or the great city of 25 million that Stuart and I live in. But I can change the atmosphere around me by carefully choosing my words and my actions to allow God's peace to be heard and known. Better still, why don't we all lift our voices together with the prophet Isaiah, the heavenly host, even Jesus himself this holy season and become God's instruments of peace by choosing to overcome hatred with love; despair with hope; and darkness with light.

Then ringing singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

Merry Christmas 

Stuart & Wendy

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP)

Printable PDF: Christmas.Winter 2015

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May God bless you with discomfort

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your hearts.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Amen

(A Franciscan Benediction, Sr. Ruth Marlene Fox, 1985)