As we pray for those in Iraq and Syria facing atrocities at the hands of fanatic militants, it would be both honoring them and pleasing to God if we paused to remember how many have died throughout the world, just within our lifetime, in situations as unremarked and unnoticed by majorities of their fellow human beings. The scourge of warring hatred has left its brutal scar on nearly every continent just within the past few decades, and whole civilizations have been molested, and countless millions of broken lives left everywhere in its wake. To reflect on this broader picture can move us to that deep kind of prayer, the groaning of the spirit, the inarticulate yearning and whole-souled desire: a desire for Peace. Pope Francis was, I think, praying in just this way when he cried out recently, No more war! Holy Spirit, grant that we may truly desire peace among nations and peoples. Lord, Jesus Christ, grant that there may be true Peace, such as only you can give! Mary, Queen of Peace, grant that our world may be converted to obey the will of your Son! Miserere nobis!
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 18:14:53 +0000