The Paradox of the Christian Ethic

This is a third post in a continuing series where a brief quotation of a famous member of Church history is presented. This comes from Francis of Assisi who seems remarkable in that almost every major school finds value in his writings.

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;
Not so much to be understood as
To understand;
Not so much to be loved
As to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying that we awaken to eternal life.

In Christ alone,
mike