I've had the pleasure of studying with a religion professor who so sagely stated, “Religion should change you; otherwise it’s not much of a religion.” He’s right. Whatever my beliefs, they should inspire and comfort and challenge me to grow as a person. St. Francis's Prayer, An Instrument of Thy Peace, is a prayer that exemplifies that belief, and there are many things that touch me here, particularly the humility, joy and hope--all hallmarks of Franciscan spirituality.

The simple message of St. Francis’s prayer sums up what it means to act like Christ. To serve one another. To care. To shift the emphasis off myself and place it on others. To strive through motivation and action to make another’s needs and well being more important than my own. A favorite quote of mine is from Ephesians.

“Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them.”

Not always easy when dealing with the day-to-day realities of life. Like most, I don’t populate my world with a chosen few. No, I deal with the demands of my family, friends and the world at large--in my career, business, education, worship, healthcare, travel and so on. If I could behave a little more Christ-like toward everyone in my world, not only can I grow, but my relationships can grow . . . and the world might eventually grow too. Idealistic? Perhaps, but it’s a goal worth working toward.

Because our world is worth working for.

We’re all in this together. We’re all given life and special gifts with which to live our lives--how we use those gifts make a difference. A life wasted or a life well-lived? The choices are ours. Are mine. And I make those choices every minute of every day, in my thoughts and in my interactions with others. Life is dynamic not static--people come and go, situations arise and pass. Life isn’t a one-shot deal. There’s harmony and balance . . . and joy in knowing nothing is either all good or all bad.

Where there is hatred; there can also be love.
Where there is sorrow; there can also be joy.
Where there is injury; there can also be pardon.
Where there is despair; there can also be hope.

I choose--sometimes well; sometimes unwisely. But if I stumble and fall, I get up, brush off and try again. Hopefully I grow.

I can always hope.

I hope never to let a lesson go unlearned. For patience when my family seems to take me for granted. For the graciousness to be a cheerful giver even when I feel I have nothing left to give. For the wisdom to know when I need to speak. For the impulse-control to keep my mouth shut when I need to listen. For the sense to appreciate all my blessings. For enough faith to endure when bad things happen.

The simple fact is that no matter how fallible I prove to be in my daily choices, no matter how much I creak and groan through the process of growing, I’m never alone. Choosing to live my life well doesn’t depend solely upon my efforts--thank goodness! I only have to invite Christ into my life to help me choose wisely.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Help me to understand with compassion if not comprehension.
Help me to forgive freely instead of nurturing my hurts.
Help me to give only what others need.
Help me to love even more than I want to be loved in return.
O Divine Master, grant that I always believe my actions make a difference; and that when I’m through with this earthly life, I’ll be born into everlasting life with you. Amen.