St. Francis of Assisi is a beloved Catholic saint who has been known all around the world for his compassion and love for animals and nature. His teachings, stories, and quotes have inspired and touched millions of people from all walks of life.
Among his many inspiring quotes, one stands out as the most famous and widely known, “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”
This powerful sentence is just the beginning of what is known as the Prayer of St. Francis, which has become a cherished prayer not only in Catholic churches but also in interfaith and non-religious settings.
But what makes this quote so impactful and memorable? Let’s take a closer look.
The Life of St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi was born in Italy in 1181 or 1182 to a wealthy family. However, he later renounced his wealth and lived a life of poverty, dedicated to serving the poor and living in harmony with nature.
He founded the Franciscan order, which is based on simplicity and compassionate service to others. He also wrote many poems and prayers, including the “Canticle of the Sun,” which is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
St. Francis believed that all creatures were brothers and sisters under God, and he is often portrayed in art surrounded by birds and animals. He is a patron saint of ecology and environmentalism, as well as animals and the poor.
The Prayer of St. Francis
The “Prayer of St. Francis,” also known as the “Peace Prayer,” is a beautiful and simple prayer that captures the essence of St. Francis’s teachings and way of life. Here is the full text:
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
This prayer has been set to music, used as a meditation, and recited in countless settings and languages. It embodies the qualities of love, humility, and compassion that are at the heart of St. Francis’s teachings.
Why this Quote is so Powerful
The quote, “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love,” is so powerful because it speaks to our deepest desires as human beings. We all want to be instruments of peace, to sow love instead of hatred, to heal instead of hurt.
St. Francis recognized that the world is full of hatred and violence, but he believed that we can make a difference by choosing love and forgiveness instead. This quote challenges us to be the change we want to see in the world, to be the ones who bring healing and peace to a hurting world.
It is also a reminder that we are not powerless in the face of conflict and division. We may not be able to solve all the world’s problems, but we can start by being a positive force wherever we are. We can sow seeds of love and peace in our families, our communities, and our workplaces.
Conclusion
St. Francis of Assisi’s quote, “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love,” is perhaps the most famous and well-loved quote of all time. It has inspired generations of people to live lives of love, compassion, and service, and it continues to be a beacon of hope and light in a world that can sometimes seem dark and divided.
As we meditate on this quote and the life of St. Francis, may we be encouraged to seek ways to bring peace and love into our own lives and the lives of those around us. May we become instruments of peace, just as St. Francis hoped we would be.
FAQ
What was St Francis of Assisi’s best quote?
St Francis of Assisi is widely regarded as one of the most revered figures in the history of Christianity. Known for his vow of poverty, love for nature, and dedication to service, St Francis left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift millions of people around the world to this day. While he is most famous for his spiritual teachings, St Francis was also known for his insightful and uplifting quotes which are still repeated and shared by many today.
One of St Francis of Assisi’s most famous quotes is “No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves. Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.” This quote is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness in our lives.
At its core, this quote speaks to the idea that every person we encounter has the potential to benefit our lives in some way or another. Rather than viewing others as enemies or obstacles to our success, St Francis teaches us to approach everyone with an open heart and mind, recognizing that they are just as human and flawed as we are. By choosing to see others in this way, we can transform every interaction into an opportunity for growth and learning, nurturing meaningful relationships with those around us.
Additionally, St Francis emphasizes the importance of overcoming the self as a path towards growth and enlightenment. By sanctifying ourselves – that is, working towards spiritual and moral purity – we can also have a positive impact on the world around us. This message is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced and individualistic culture, where we are often encouraged to focus on our own success and well-being at the expense of others.
St Francis of Assisi’s quote “No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves. Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society” is a testament to the power of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness. By embracing these values in our lives, we can transform ourselves and the world around us, creating a more peaceful, just, and loving society.
What are some lines on Saint Francis of Assisi?
Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most popular and beloved saints of the Catholic Church. He was born in Italy in 1181 or 1182, into a wealthy cloth merchant family. In his youth, he was known for his charm, quick wit, and love of parties and socializing.
However, in his twenties, Francis took part in a war between Assisi and Perugia and was held prisoner for almost a year. During this time, he had several profound experiences that shaped his conversion to a life of poverty and service to God.
Upon returning to Assisi, Francis became increasingly detached from the material world and began spending more time in prayer and penance. He renounced his father’s wealth and even stripped off all his clothes in front of the bishop, declaring that he would devote himself to the service of God alone.
Francis’ unique and radical approach to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ soon attracted followers, and he founded the Franciscan Order. He and his followers lived in absolute poverty, begging for food and doing manual labor to support their way of life. He also had a great love for nature, calling all living creatures his brothers and sisters.
Some of the most famous stories about Francis include his preaching to the birds, his taming of a ravenous wolf, and his receiving of the stigmata – wounds in his hands, feet, and side that replicated those of Jesus during his crucifixion.
St. Francis of Assisi’s legacy lives on today, as he remains a source of inspiration and an example of humility, poverty, and care for all God’s creation. He is the patron saint of animals, ecology, Italy, and peacemaking. His teachings and way of life continue to inspire people around the world to live simpler, more meaningful lives focused on service to God and others.