The threat of war hangs over us and will continue until the coming of Christ; but insofar as they can vanquish sin by coming together in charity, violence itself will be vanquished and they will make these words come true:"They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Isaiah 2:4 (Church in the Modern World [Gaudium et Spes], 78)
On Saturday night, communities will come together to pray for peace as world leaders seek solutions to the war in Syria. We continue to bring you options that generous faith leaders continue to create and freely offer through the social network.
Yesterday, we posted a draft of Diana Macalintal's Night Prayer, which she generously shared for anyone who may find the draft helpful.
Today, Dr. Jerry Galipeau, Vice President and Chief Publishing Officer for the J.S. Paluch Company offered A Service Prayer for Peace in Syria, created and freely offered by the staff at World Library Publications. Jerry also posted other helpful resources on his blog Gotta Sing Gotta Pray. Check it out.
Fr. Paul Colloton, OSFS, Director of Continuing Education at National Pastoral Musician offered this prayerful reflection on his Facebook page.
"Response to crisis is never easy, even when the Gospel principles seem clear. Many people of faith are divided about how to respond. Prayer and fasting may cleanse our minds and hearts to make room for the Spirit about how to respond and make room for creative solutions of which we have not yet thought. Come, Holy Spirit move our minds and hearts and work a miracle in the leaders who have harmed their people and lead us to this time of discernment."P
Also posted on his Facebook page, Paul shared A LITANY FOR SATURDAY'S DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING that was posted by Food for the Journey, a Facebook page created by Fr. Bert Pinciaro, pastor of St. Maurice Parish in the Diocese of Stamford, CT and offers daily reflections on "our common Journey of Faith." Thanks to Fr. Bert for creating such rich food for reflection and prayer.
A LITANY FOR SATURDAY'S DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING
Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them
Fast from emphasis of differences; feast on the unity of all life
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of the light
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude
Fast from anger; feast on patience
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism
Fast from worry; feast on God’s providence
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation
Fast from negativity; feast on the positive side of things
Fast from unrelenting pressure; feast on unceasing prayer
Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance
Fast from revenge; feast on forgiveness
Fast from self concern; feast on compassion
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope
Fast from facts that depress; feast on verities that uplift
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire
Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that sustains
N.B. If you share any of the prayers in your parishes, schools and with your own social network communities, please credit the authors of these beautiful and helpful resources.
We hope that this is helpful.
Many thanks to all for offering your time, talent and stewardship on behalf of us all.
May God guide all leaders of nations to peaceful resolutions as we continue to pray, live justly and walk humbly with God.