BY THE LIGHT OF SWEET SISTER MOON

Once upon a time, more than 800 years ago there lived a rich son born of privilege who found true treasure in the abundance of God's creation.  He set aside his fine toggery, his spirited horse, fine wine and comfortable abode.  He not only turned away from all the material comforts to which he had access, he also spurned the ego comfort of leadership in favor of the communitarian warmth of brotherhood.  He never married, at least not to another human being.  His true spouse was his beloved Church.

To him is attributed the following prayer.  Oh, would that it were so.  As it is, the prayer is just a little bit over 100 years old.  It comes from France, not Italy.  Even though it is not from St. Francis, it is our humble opinion that it has the soul of Francis.  We offer it to you for the depth of its spiritual value.  We also suggest that you click here for the historical information about it.  You'll notice that you will still appreciate it, no matter the historical background.  It is a very popular and a spiritually moving poetic prayer.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And 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.