Day Six

Meditation

Discord can happen between individuals, groups, cultures, religions, or nations. Often, it begins with something very small – a minor detail that gets blown out of proportion and becomes a major point of contention. It can begin with misunderstanding and lack of communication. In many cases, it is rooted in long-standing prejudices and fears. No matter the cause, discord’s intensity grows exponentially and can leave both emotional and physical destruction in its wake.

Words of Pope Francis

Discord among Christians is the greatest obstacle to evangelization. It fosters the growth of groups that take advantage of people’s poverty and credulity to propose easy but illusionary solutions to their problems. In a world wounded by so many ethnic, political, and religious conflicts, communities must become “authentically fraternal and reconciled” so that in them “they will find that witness luminous and attractive.” God gives us the grace, if we know how to receive it, to make unity prevail over conflict.

Prayer to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots

Our Lady, Undoer of Knots,

You understand my discord because you know all about me – what affects me and what I have to endure. You know how this discord came to be, and you know what must happen for it to end. You know, also, any responsibility I might bear for its cause or continuation, and yet you love me still. And you know all about the others involved, and you love them still, too.

Please accept this knot of discord [name the knot]. Take it into your skillful hands and untie it, one snarl at a time, so that the ribbon of my life can be free of discord and its consequences. Help me to remain strong as you work on it, because the resolution of discord can often require great courage and fortitude. If I am at fault, show me how and then show me what to do to make amends. Make me truly desire the knot to be undone so that I can follow your guidance with a sincere heart and put forth genuine effort on my part.

Dear Lady, pray for me and all those bound by this knot. I pray for them, too, and for all those caught in knots of discord throughout the world, particularly in areas of conflict and strife.

I also want to unite my prayers with those of Pope Francis, asking that lasting peace may be granted to the world. Amen.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be for peace in our hearts, homes, and the world and for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Resolution

Make a concrete resolution to take one step toward peace in your heart today.