Last week the US Justice and Peace Committee had a conference call at which we talked about potential foci for the Province this year. What became crystal clear during the call is that the world has set our agenda. In the midst of war, widespread violence and unimaginable suffering, We want to stand resolutely for peace, not war, for justice, not revenge, for hope, not despair. Pax Christi, a Catholic peace organization, has called all who yearn for peace and healing to join together in fasting and prayer on Fridays. The members of the Committee, therefore, invite all in the Province to take this small corporate action for peace.

"Proclaim a fast,
call an assembly;
Gather the elders,
all who dwell in the land,
into the house of your God,
and cry out to God!"
Joel 1:14

Gandhi called fasting "the sincerest form of prayer." In Islam, Friday is a holy day. Those of us who choose to participate in this weekly corporate Provincial fast and prayer may want to discern ways that violence is a part of our everyday lives, and to take steps to eliminate the ways we consciously or unconsciously contribute to the violence that permeates our culture. A water-only fast will not be feasible for many; choose your own way. (Adapted from Pax Christi)

And we pray..
Heavenly Mother, heavenly Father,
Holy and blessed is your true name.
We pray for your reign of peace to come,
We pray that your good will be done,
Let heaven and earth become one.
Give us this day the bread we need,
Give it to those who have none.
Let forgiveness flow like a river through us,
From each one to each one to each one.
Lead us to holy innocence
Beyond the evil of our days,
Come swiftly Mother, Father, come!
For yours is the power and the glory and the mercy---
Forever your Name is All in One.
(Parker Palmer, Quaker writer and teacher)