We begin our prayer today in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Yesterday was World Kindness Day, an international holiday that was formed in 1998 to promote kindness throughout the world. It is a great time to reflect on the ways that acts of kindness whether large or small can make a difference in friendships, families, communities and the world. Today we are invited to consider how God calls each one of us to be kind and compassionate to each other as members of God’s loving family.
Let us listen to this reading from St Paul:
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians (Eph. 4:32)
Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.
The word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
God of Justice, help us to always see those around us with loving and compassionate eyes. May we always work toward breaking down the barriers to love that make people feel isolated and alone.
Help us develop the wisdom to know that every little bit of kindness and care that we show to each other will make a difference and will always demonstrate our love for you.
We make this prayer in your name, Jesus.
Amen
We continue our Litany of the Saints today by remembering those who have helped to tear down walls of hatred:
St. Paul, beloved communicator … [Pray for us]
St. Elizabeth Seton, symbol of Christian charity…[Pray for us]
St. Francis of Assisi, missionary of peace… [Pray for us]
St. Maximilian Kolbe, martyr for peace… [Pray for us]
Dorothy Day, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr.and Nelson Mandela, witnesses to peace … [Pray for us]
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.