Sunday May 25: Peace be with you – and with your Spirit

Practices

• Find a quiet time and place. Sitting comfortably, listen to this musical Prayer for Peace (4:34 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPW65znzwqA&t=3s

• You may wish to pray this “Poem for Peace” each day this week:

As the fever of day calms towards twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.
We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.
For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.
That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.
That we might see through our fear of each other
A new vision to heal our fatal attraction to aggression.
That those who enjoy the privilege of peace
Might not forget their tormented brothers and sisters.
That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,
That our swords be beaten into plough shares
And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.
– John O’Donohue from the book Benedictus

• Fr. Thomas gave a homily on the difference between peace lovers and peacemakers in 2001; it was published as an article, “Our Myths of Peace,” in the CO NEWS here.

If you wish to re-read the full email reflection, you may do so here: https://mailchi.mp/coutreach/2025_word-of-the-week-may25

My world, as others, is not as I would have it. I have discovered through this year’s disappointments and traumas deep inner equilibrium and peace. If I would not pray “thank you” in the midst of life, I could, and do, pray as Father Keating writes: “at all times one can pray with Jesus ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ And I know that I know that I know Jesus is present as I pray. <3 linda

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