From Hatred To Love

April 13, 2020

DAILY READING

1 John 4:9-11

FIELD NOTES

This week, we’re going to dive deeply into the beloved Prayer of St. Francis. The prayer invites us to look at the dark places in the world and in our own lives, while considering how we might be agents of God’s peace and healing. With all that is pressing in on us now, we hope that you use this time to find peace for your soul and become an instrument of God’s peace in the world. 

The Prayer of St. Francis

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;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Today, we aim to replace hatred with love. As you move throughout this day, pay attention to your mind – to your thoughts. Pay attention to your heart – to your feelings. Pay attention to your soul – to your anxiety. Is hatred rearing itself in you? Where is it aimed? Are you angry or resentful? Find that hatred, name it, and release it. Today, we remember God’s great love for all of God’s children. And God’s love in us can transform our mind and our heart and our soul. And God’s love in us can transform the ones we share it with. This world has plenty of hatred. Let us sow love. 

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Where is hatred finding a home in you?
• Who in your life needs an outpouring of God’s love?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• How can your family give love to the world today? To a neighbor? A family member? A friend? A stranger?

PRAYER GUIDE

Lord, where there is hatred let me sow love. Draw out of me the great love that may have been buried behind quiet hatred. Help me to love people in a way that the hatred in them may be transformed into love. May hatred have no more place in me. Amen.