St. Francis’ prayer is one of the most appropriate for us to pray in our present world and situation: “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 sadness, joy; and where there is darkness, light.”
In times of war and enmity people dress in proud military uniforms, but if we desire to make peace, we ought to give attention to the attitudes of our heart and not seek to be distinguished by our fine clothes.
Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Colossi gave the following advice about the most appropriate emotional “clothing” we should get dressed in, if we are going to be attired in a way that will facilitate any peacemaking efforts.
He suggests six important items for our wardrobe to help create peace in our world.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)
• “Clothe yourselves with compassion.”
Compassion is an emotion that can inspire action to alleviate suffering.
In the New Testament we are told that Jesus was “moved with compassion.”
In each instance it motivated Him to act.
In one case He healed a blind person; in another He healed the sick; and in another He cleansed a leper.
• “Clothe yourselves with kindness.”
This implies doing good to those around us.
But not just to those who are kind to us, or those who we feel have earned our kindness.
When one is really dressed in kindness one finds joy being good to even our enemies.
• Clothe yourselves in humility.
A sincere attitude of humility will guarantee that we will not behave with an attitude of entitlement.
It is impossible for those who are prideful to succeed in any peacemaking endeavours.
• Clothe yourselves with gentleness.
When clothed with gentleness you will always leave people feeling validated.
• Clothe yourself with patience.
This may be described as long suffering.
Patient people are not easily or quickly angered or irritated.
• Over all these virtues put on love.
This is the most powerful of all the Christ like virtues that has power to transform the most hostile situations into peace and reconciliation.
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