An Instrument Of Your Love

St. Joseph Health, Home Care Services

“And who does not want to be treated with Love?” Mary Southard CSJ Artist Mary Southard CSJ As part of Values Integration, the use of sacred text is a way to grow in our ability to express on the outside of the values we hold deeply on the inside. When we take in and fully absorb the words of a particular sacred text, those words literally become a part of us. Here are three pieces of sacred text to practice taking in the power of the words with the intention of having our actions be an outward expression of those words. “Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.” From The Prayer of St. Francis “Let your love flow outward through the universe, a limitless love that is without hatred or enmity.” From the Buddhist Sutta Nipata Discourse on Goodwill “O God, increase light within me and give me light and illuminate me.” From Mohmmad’s Prayer of Light I read something recently that made me want to take it deep within so that I could become it. Here it is: Help me remember today that I am holy; that I have been called to be a vessel of grace. Let me spend my time and energy as a holy person would, whether in great deeds or humble drudgery. Let every act and every encounter be sacred, ever moment be a flowing of good gifts. May light be born in me. -Steve Garnaas-holmes Perhaps these words will touch your heart, too. Perhaps you will be reminded that you, too, are holy and that you have been called to be a vessel of grace. Amidst, what will probably be a very full day, pause for a moment. Read these words or words from another piece of sacred text. Be intentional with your desire to reflect on the outside your strength on the inside. Adapted from a reflection written by Mary Anne Sladich-Lantz