May we be filled with the strength to seek peace.
War will not end when the guns are silent.
Violence can never lead to peace.
May we be filled with the courage to seek peace.
We grieve for the harm to our own country,
The degradation suffered here and in Iraq,
The contagion of fear and distrust,
The restriction of freedoms,
The quashing of dialogue and dissent.
We grieve the terrible wounding
of those sent off to fight in a war
that is questioned all over the world.
We grieve the rupture of families here and in Iraq.
May we be filled with the compassion to seek peace
We are members of one human family.
We grasp the horror of war in all its forms.
And we struggle to embrace the suffering of all
with love and compassion.
May we be filled with the endurance to seek peace
Recognizing our weakness,
We call on the God of mercy and compassion
to guide us in the days ahead
May we be filled with the vision of peace.
(From the Fellowship of Reconciliation Interfaith Prayer)
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Storyline
 One of the hardest things about our busy lifestyles is being present to those around us. One reason I’ve taken the pilgrimage to Guatemala the last two years is because as a pilgrim I am able to be present to where I am and I am open to being transformed. In this way being a pilgrim feels like meditation to me. It helps me see God in other people and it helps me see the barriers in my own heart. This leads to compassion and concern for the people of Guatemala rather than complete despair. And it is easy for me to despair.
Spotlight
 A photo tapestry by Lolín Menéndez:
In Congo, green is all around -
a land truly green, and abundant
in life, lots of new life...
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