Peace and All Good
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)
St. Francis of Assisi often began and ended his sermons and letters with “Pax et Bonum,” which means “Peace and All Good[1] (or as implied, and goodness be with you).” I’m not Catholic, but I drew interest in this mystic, poet, and friar by his sacrifice of service, especially to the displaced and unhoused (aka homeless). The skull he holds in the image above is a reminder of human mortality and Christ’s victory over death[2]. His story resonates with me and reminds me of the times my mother would cock her head and wink her eye while parting a smile, then with a raised index finger in the air, exclaim segments of The Prayer of Peace as she attempted to bring order within herself and our home.
Allow me to back up a little to January 23, 2024; it is the date of my mother’s expiration. She loved the Lord and she gave passionately and selflessly to serving the elderly and the homeless. Attending her funeral was my first experience going to one, and I was filled with fears of what it would look, sound, and feel like. I began setting boundaries for myself and others as my mixed emotions and thoughts swirled around and within me. I prayed. God showed up and my pastors journeyed closely with me. I had never experienced love like that before. God helped me to see the beauty in my mother’s passing and it turned out to be a joyful and celebratory occasion to listen to the stories about her life, how she contributed to the lives of others, and most of all the legacy of “service” she impressed upon us all.
Looking much further back: I left home at a rather early age and did not witness when my mother was helping displaced people. I learned through my youngest sister’s account of my mother, how she had invited them into our home, bathed and fed (and most likely prayed with) them before they left refreshed. When my sister squawked at the idea of it all, my mother would often reply with a quote from the bible, e.g., “You never know when you will be attending to angels unawares.” Phenomenally, at that time, and points further along in my life, I was having dreams about rescuing displaced people by providing the same services in-my-home. I have always had a heart for young runaways and the unhoused but did not know why. I too gave food, money, and time through conversations/prayer on many occasions. As of late, in honor of my mother and my God, I have scheduled the 1st Wednesday of the month off from my job as a teacher to cook food at Abundant Life Church and deliver it to BeMoreCaring, an organization that feeds and clothes the homeless in Baltimore and surrounding areas. I also plan to support their thrift store (a memorable childhood event with mom and sibs) by sorting and organizing their goods.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Heb 12:2, KJV)
As with all my blogs, I pray they will bless you in many ways. I authentically hope you are experiencing an awareness and an intersection of true love. I say this because, through my bereavement, I experienced Love in new ways that felt like my heart and mind could not contain or control. When it was my turn to stand and speak at my mother’s funeral, I heard a loud voice in my mind: “My mother loved me, and I loved my mother!” In a flash of a moment, I had a profound awakening to the depth of this truth. We shared a special, tangled love that bonded us together in spirit and soul. I am confident my conscience and understanding of Love and Service will continue to unfold as the Lord guides me by recounting His will as I remember my mother’s teachings.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Prv. 22:6, NLT )
Rest in His Peace, Mother. You did well, and it is all working out for my good. Thank you for leading me to the fountain that quencheth my thirst.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28, NIV)
1 Conventual Franciscan Friars – Province of Our Lady of Consolation
Recommended reading: The Rhythm of Life, Matthew Kelly
