Reflective Moments November 2020
Recently I read about Pope Francis addressing a group of prison chaplains. Our Holy Father asked the chaplains to let the prisoners know he prays for them. He also reminded the chaplains that they were a sign of God’s presence to those in need.
As I reflect on those words, I am convinced we all are called to be a sign of God’s presence to those in need. We don’t have to be incarcerated to be imprisoned. Many are imprisoned by loneliness, depression or loss. The loss of a loved one, the loss of health, the loss of work. They need an encouraging word, a smile or some small gesture that lets them know we care.
I am reminded of the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi who prayed to be an instrument of peace. He prayed to accomplish that by doing small things we all can do – sowing love where there is hatred, pardon where there is injury, light where there is darkness and joy where there is sadness.
Jesus came to set us all free. He sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the things that he did. Let us reflect on how we can be instruments of God’s peace and bring freedom to those around us who are imprisoned in any way.
By: Sister Marietta Wethington