notes on the second part of the prayer of St. Francis
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.
Amen.—St. Francis of Assisi
When Christ Jesus was accosted in the garden of Gethsemane, betrayed, man -handled and arrested, in the midst of all that chaos, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus. Peter’s response was understandable, for we protect those we love and respect. Also fear can lead us to commit acts we would not normally do. Like peter denying his Lord. Jesus forgave him because he sees our hearts; he knew Peter’s true character.
In the midst of this chaos, no one noticed what happened to Malchus, well no one but our loving and compassionate Lord. He reached out in the tumult and touched gently the ear of one of the men who came to arrest him and healed him. I find this astounding. Jesus wished to console and heals one of his enemies!
Jesus’ heart was truly human and divine, he shows us what we are to become when we give ourselves over to his grace and healing. In the catholic faith we call attention to this reality by calling upon the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His love for each of us is unfathomable and who can understand it. I believe the second part of the Peace Prayer of St. Francis is a true call for all Christians to ponder on what it means to embody Christ Jesus, to allow his grace and love to fill us.
My heart is still fearful at times, or it feels like stone, dead, yet when I think of Christ Jesus and this scene, my heart again opens up to his deep love and compassion. He truly wants all of us to hear his Word, to believe in his love and for us to reach out and love all…..for God wills the salvation of all men and that they come to the truth…..that truth is Jesus Christ, God and Man, who came for each one of us out of true unconditional infinite love.
Oh Lord, that we Christians will learn to reach out to all in love that they may come to understand your deep love for all. For we Christians are your heart in an often heartless world, your hands to comfort and your feet to seek out those who need your love and mercy.
Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO
Holy Spirit Monastery
