Welcome to the academic year 2022-2023 where we present the following reflections and resources related to the year theme – Instruments of Peace. You will find:
- Prayers related to Holy Mass for Peace
- Prayer Spaces
- Reflections for educators
- Sessions to be used for religious counsellors
Visit this page and keep yourself updated. Enjoy exploring!
The ambience of international war between Russia and the West in Ukraine, and the deep desire that exists in man to be at peace, prompted several educators and us to choose ‘Instruments of Peace’ as this scholastic year theme. Peace is the order that we choose to create amidst the chaos of life, the reconciliation with the perfect Love of our fragmented situations as humans.
Peace is a gift of God, and this was shown in a special way through Jesus Christ who became human for all mankind, gave his life completely in love and this gift never dies. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” Therefore, we must struggle to receive the peace that is the fruit of the relationship between God’s Love and all human beings in all aspects of life including the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical.
Peace is built on these four pillars: truth, justice, freedom and love. During this year we would like to share more reflections and prayer spaces for educators, students and possibly for families so that various people have more opportunities to grow in the knowledge of these aspects, feel the need to choose them, and effectively choose peace of heart, peace with God, with humans and all creation.
Pope Francis in Malta recognized the challenges and great mission the people in Malta have, to build peace together and with other countries. He encouraged us to be a Laboratory of Peace and therefore together, we wish to continue to believe in peace and reconciliation and seek to live it.
Lord, forgive us for the times we are selfish and rude. Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
Lord, forgive those people who say hurtful things to others. Christ have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord, please forgive us for the times we were not instruments of peace with all those around us through our actions. Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
1. Lord Jesus, deliver us from self-centeredness and indifference. Help us to be caring and compassionate toward all people, no matter their race, religion, or country of origin. Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy
2. Christ Jesus, deliver us from the silence that gives consent to abuse, violence and oppression. Grant us the passionate desire and strength to risk speaking for the common good and justice. Christ have mercy.
Christ have mercy
3. Lord Jesus, deliver us from apathy, and hardness of heart. Give us sympathetic hearts to reach out to those around us who are in deep grief – especially adolescents and youths who are suffering from fear, confusion, and profound loss. Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy
1. Lord Jesus, deliver us from self-centeredness and indifference. Help us to be caring and compassionate toward all people, no matter their race, religion, or country of origin. Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
2. Christ Jesus, deliver us from the silence that gives consent to abuse, violence and oppression. Grant us the passionate desire and strength to risk speaking for the common good and justice. Christ have mercy.
Christ have mercy
3. Lord Jesus, deliver us from apathy, and hardness of heart. Give us sympathetic hearts to reach out to those around us who are in deep grief – especially adolescents and youths who are suffering from fear, confusion, and profound loss. Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing,
As they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as men make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder,
And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast and forever peaceful,
From David’s throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
By judgment and justice, both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!
The word of the Lord.
R/. Thanks be to God
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 122 1-2, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R/. Give us peace, O Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the Lord.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R/. Give us peace, O Lord.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R/. Give us peace, O Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R/. Give us peace, O Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!”
Because of the house of the Lord, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R/. Give us peace, O Lord.
ALLELUIA
Mt 5:9
R/. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God.
R/. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
My peace I give to you
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
John 20:19-23
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
R/. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
1. Inspire Pope Francis and our Archbishop who lead and serve the church. May they know your guidance and direction. Hear our prayer
O Lord graciously hear us.
2. Show us how to serve one another, to offer love, care, and support. Hear our prayer
O Lord graciously hear us.
3. Help our leaders, parents and those who take care of us, teachers and educators, doctors, social workers and counsellors to be bringers of peace in all situations. Hear our prayer
O Lord graciously hear us.
4. Lead us to be generous with our time, possessions and money. Hear our prayer
O Lord graciously hear us.
5. For the souls of our relatives departed. God grant them eternal rest in peace. Hear our prayer
O Lord graciously hear us.
6. (Let’s spend some time in silence to present to God our personal prayers)
For our own needs and intentions, that we now recall in our hearts [pause], we pray to the Lord:
O Lord graciously hear us.
Choose from the following prayers
1. For an end to the violence perpetrated by harsh words, deadly weapons, or cold indifference. May our homes, our schools, our nation, and countries around the world become havens of peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord graciously hear us.
2. For the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language, or culture. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord graciously hear us.
3. For the wisdom to receive the stories and experiences of those different from ourselves and to respond with respect. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord graciously hear us.
4. For the protection of all police and first responders who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety to be fair and just, and promote peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord graciously hear us.
5. For our school, we may cultivate welcome, extend hospitality, and encourage the participation of people of all cultures and beliefs. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord graciously hear us.
6. For solidarity in our global human family, we may work together to protect those who are most vulnerable and most in need. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord graciously hear us.
7. For the souls of our relatives departed. God grant them eternal rest in peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord graciously hear us.
8. (Let’s spend some time in silence to present to God our personal prayers)
For our own needs and intentions, that we now recall in our hearts [pause], we pray to the Lord:
O Lord graciously hear us.
Choose from the following prayers
1. For an end to the violence perpetrated by harsh words, deadly weapons, or cold indifference. May our homes, schools, nation, and countries worldwide become havens of peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
2. The grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language, or culture. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
3. For the wisdom to receive the stories and experiences of those different from ourselves and respond respectfully. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
4. To protect all police and first responders who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety, be fair, and promote peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
5. For our school, we may cultivate welcome, extend hospitality, and encourage the participation of people of all cultures and beliefs. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
6. For solidarity in our global human family, we may work together to protect those most vulnerable and in need. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
7. For the souls of our relatives departed. God grant them eternal rest in peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord, graciously hear us.
8. (Let’s spend some time in silence to present to God our personal prayers)
For our own needs and intentions, that we now recall in our hearts [pause], we pray to the Lord:
O Lord, graciously hear us.
These prayer spaces can be used about the year theme.
 Beatitudes: PeaceIn this prayer space one thinks about situations of conflict and then prays on bringing peace and reconciliation. |
 Let There Be PeaceOn the second Sunday of Advent, this prayer space helps one to reflect on peace and to pray for those people with whom one is not in harmony at this moment. |
 Peace GardenThis prayer space encourages one to reflect on peace, whether when one is at peace, where is peace needed or how is peace felt. |
 Salt PeaceDuring this prayer space, one is asked to reflect on peace in one’s life by carrying out an experiment. |
Reflections
Ten-minute reflections for an assembly or any time you deem fit.
Peace is Flowing
June 2023
Lavender Peace
May 2023
Joyful Peace
April 2023
Sorry Starts With Me
March 2023
Peace: Loving Each Other
February 2023
The Making of World Peace
January 2023
Models of Peace
December 2022
Choosing Good
November 2022
Peace is Possible
October 2022
Sessions
Thirty-minute sessions prepared for a group of students
Lavender Peace – session
May 2023
Joyful Peace – session
April 2023
Peace: Loving Each Other – session
February 2023
The Making of World Peace – session
January 2023
Models of Peace – session
December 2022
Choosing To Do Good – session
November 2022
Peace is Possible – session
October 2022