Inner Peace and the Encyclical

I am inspired today to say something about the need for deep inner peace in relationship to Pope Francis latest Encyclical, Fratelli tutti. See: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-10/fratelli-tutti-pope-fraternity-social-friendship-short-summary.html for a brief summary which contains a link to the original document.

In conjunction I would like to share a Spiritual Exercise one can pray by themselves or with others written by Fr. Michael Hansen, S.J. of Australia. I have been sharing these Exercises on my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Let-God-In-One-Ignatian-Journey-108638330545262. I credit Fr. Hansen and the FSE Field Hospital for the adapted picture and text.

Praying this Exercise will help you breathe in deep inner peace which is needed to understand Pope Francis’ Encyclical.

John Cooper, Tuscaloosa, AL

THE CPR OF PEACE                            First Aid

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Col3:12-16

See, Open my mouth; the tongue in my mouth speaks.

My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely. The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:2-6

I touch the Heart of Peace.

I take a slow breath, in and out-a breath in to receive the Spirit of Peace, and a breath out to breathe out all the anxiety, agitation, fears and burdens I carry within me. This breath of body and Spirit, is life in every sense. I repeat, feeling peace settle in me.

I remember a small story of someone who gave me deep peace when I was afraid and lost in the demands of ever-changing distress. If praying alone I hold that memory, if I am praying in a group, I share it with them, listening in turn to their stories, feeling touched by the Spirit of Peace … I begin to understand how such peace

is so desirable in these unsettling times.

I desire the Gift of Peace.

I slowly and prayerfully read the prayer texts above.

I name all the places in my life where I desire the gift of peace …

I ask the Spirit for peace, serenity and harmony in my heart, and for the breath that gives me Life.

I breathe in the Spirit of Peace.

I imagine and feel the Spirit of Peace breathing deep, harmonious peace into me. I breathe it in deeply, wait, then breathe it out to into my agitations and worries, into my spiritual life, desires and relationships. And I pray this peace spreads far.

I repeat as desired – breathing, peaceful, in harmony …I conclude in thanks, considering two questions. Firstly, if possible, how might I make contact and reconnect with the one who brought me great peace? Secondly, to whom and how do I pass on this exercise – who urgently needs peace now?         ·

PRAYER TIME: Go gently, using the generous time you have put aside for this prayer.

The three dots … indicate the places to pause.

If you are specially moved at any of the steps, remain there for the rest of the prayer.

 

FSE FIELD HOSPITAL © Michael Hansen SJ

Contact: field-hospital@fsecloud.life    •  www.fsecol ud.life  •  JISA ministries www.jisa.org.au