Pause
Here I am, Lord, as I breathe in and out, with my beating heart. I gently close my eyes or rest my gaze on my hands. I come as one among the billions of humans you call your beloved child. Considering the vast multitude of peoples on the earth, I am filled with humility. Considering my own breath and heartbeat, I am grateful. Thank you, God, for calling me into being, for sustaining my life.
Ask
In this time of rupture and violence, I pray for peace in the world. For dialogue and disarmament. For the eradication of racism and xenophobia. I pray for sustainable peace – peace upheld by justice, by leadership and communities who meet the needs of the least of our brothers and sisters. I pray for my enemy, those who would do me or my neighbor harm. May our common humanity and dignity shine forth like the dawn.
Listen
An expert in the law asked you, Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Wanting to justify himself. You replied with The Parable of the Good Samaritan, asking instead, “Who was the neighbor to the one in need?” May I answer your question with my life. May I be a steward of mercy and peace in our suffering world. For all of us are your children, and each of us is the neighbor who could show mercy.
Share
Jesus, at times, I am completely bent over with terror. You know, your time, like ours, was filled with violence, hate and suffering. You lived under a repressive regime, Jesus. You were killed by the state. You were unabashed in proclaiming a reign of justice, radical belonging to a beloved community, to each, to all. Come, Holy Spirit, inflame the hearts of the faithful. That we might rise as your One Body, embodying peace in the world.
Reflect
Holy Spirit, your desire for justice and peace burns like a fire within me. Bless me with wisdom. Bless me with the courage to act with Gospel conviction. Bless me with faithfulness in embodying the Gospel imperative of mercy. I will be your hands and your feet, the merciful neighbor my neighbors need, building your peaceable kingdom here and now.
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