This seems like as good a day as any to begin with a blessing, lifted from John O'Donohue's 2008 book, "Benedictus." O'Donohue (1956-2008), at left, was an Irish priest. poet, mystic, environmental activist, scholar and occasional troubadour. That volume was published just two months before his unexpected death at age 52.
I came across it this morning in the social media feed of Jack Kornfield, whose credentials are similar but whose spiritual roots are Buddhist rather than Christian.
FOR PEACE
As the fever of day calms towards twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.
We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.
For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.
That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.
That we might see through our fear of each other
A new vision to heal our fatal attraction to aggression.
That those who enjoy the privilege of peace
Might not forget their tormented brothers and sisters.
That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,
That our swords be beaten into ploughshares
And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.
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