The Weekly Encourager – November 22, 2016 – A Prayer for Peace

After such a contentious presidential election, when people are dis-inviting relatives to Thanksgiving dinner because they voted for a different candidate, I hope that no Christian person will disown family and friends over differing politics, religions, race, or life choices. Remember that Jesus ate with prostitutes, tax-collectors, and racists. The Righteous Judge of the World died with common thieves. He socialized with the powerful as well as the lowly rejects of society. Our Lord gave a healing touch to the untouchable, and He calls us to the same path. National holidays are a time to come together over what we have in common. Even if all we have in common with our relatives is food, let us start there to show the true love of Christ. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate God and appreciate one another.

“Seek peace and pursue it.” - Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11

“As far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” - Romans 12:8

This year in particular, St. Francis's classic prayer seems very appropriate:

“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; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.”

Give thanks to God! Pursue peace. Humbly extend the healing touch of Christ to all, with no conditions. A happy, blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours.

God is faithful,
j