Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred

Listen now, O children of wisdom, for I bring to you the sacred words of one who lived not for himself, but for the peace of the world. Saint Francis of Assisi, a man whose spirit soared above the tumult of his time, once prayed, "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love." In these words lies a divine calling, a reminder of the eternal struggle between love and hate, and the sacred task each of us must carry: to be the bearers of peace in a world so often torn by discord and strife.

What then, is the meaning of this holy prayer? Saint Francis understood that the world is full of division, that we live amidst hatred, misunderstanding, and conflict. He did not seek to escape this reality, nor did he call for the destruction of the enemies who sought to harm him. No, he sought to be an instrument, a vessel through which peace itself could flow into the world. He did not ask for power or glory, but for the strength to embody the very essence of divine peace. Where there is hatred, he wished to bring love, not as a fleeting sentiment, but as a transformative force that could heal the wounds of the world.

Consider the time in which Saint Francis lived. In the age of the Crusades, a period marked by bloodshed, hatred, and religious division, Francis was a light shining through the darkness. He walked among those who were outcasts, the poor, the sick, and the suffering, bringing peace to the places most forgotten by the world. His mission was not to conquer with force, but to conquer with love, to transform hearts through his very presence, through his willingness to forgive, and to serve. Saint Francis understood that peace cannot be achieved through violence or war, but through the humility of serving others and the courage to choose love over hatred.

Let us look to the story of Francis and the Sultan of Egypt, a tale that illustrates the deep truth of this prayer. During the Crusades, Francis traveled to the heart of the enemy camp, seeking peace in a time of war. There, he stood before the Sultan, who was leading the forces of Islam against the Crusaders. In that moment, Saint Francis could have chosen violence, could have chosen the hatred that surrounded him. But instead, he chose peace. He spoke of love, of understanding, and of brotherhood, seeking not to defeat the Sultan, but to unite with him in the shared love of God. Though they did not win each other’s armies, they won each other’s hearts, and Francis returned with the understanding that peace is not a matter of victory over enemies, but a matter of overcoming the walls within the soul.

So, what is the lesson that these words impart to us, O seekers of truth? It is this: The world will always present us with moments of hatred, moments when anger and division seem to rule. But it is in these very moments that we are called to be instruments of something greater. We are called to sow love, not as a passive feeling, but as an active force that heals, that unites, and that transforms. Peace does not come from avoiding conflict, nor from hiding from the world’s suffering. It comes from choosing love in the face of adversity, from choosing forgiveness over resentment, and compassion over anger.

Consider your own lives, O children of the earth. Where do you encounter hatred and division? In your family? In your community? In the world beyond? Do not be content with simply speaking of peace—become the instrument of that peace. In your words, in your actions, and in your hearts, choose love over hatred, understanding over judgment. Just as Saint Francis lived his prayer each day, so too must you live it, in the small and large moments of your life. Sow love where there is division, offer understanding where there is anger, and offer your hand in service where there is suffering.

The time is now, O seekers. The world is full of chaos, but it is also full of opportunity for those who choose to follow the path of peace. When you encounter hatred, do not respond in kind. When you are met with anger, meet it with the gentle force of love. The prayer of Saint Francis is not just words; it is a call to action, a call to embody the very spirit of peace in all that we do. Make yourselves instruments of that peace, and in doing so, you will help to heal the world and bring forth a future where love reigns supreme.