Moment of Oneness, January 14, 2026 - Prepared by Dennis McDonald

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Peace

Opening Song: My Peace – Taize

https://youtu.be/45I0PN27kFc?si=aGankFHljHO5xmel 

First Reading

I must ask myself this:
until I am peace,
what peace
can I bring to anyone else?

I must tell myself this:
Peace is the ability
to hear the other,
to reach out to the other,
to become the other.

Peace is about becoming
more than myself alone.
                          Author unknown

Second Reading: Excerpts from Leo XIII World Day of Peace Statement

“The contrast between darkness and light is not only a biblical image describing the labor pains of a new world being born; it is also an experience that unsettles us and affects us amid the trials we face in our historical circumstances. In order to overcome the darkness, it is necessary to see the light and believe in it. This is a call that Jesus’ disciples are invited to live in a unique and privileged way; yet it also finds its way into every human heart. Peace exists; it wants to dwell within us.  It has the gentle power to enlighten and expand our understanding; it resists and overcomes violence. Peace is a breath of the eternal: while to evil we cry out “Enough,” to peace we whisper “Forever.” 

Reflection Time

Prayer of Intention

Peace Will Come

If you believe that shaking hands is stronger than a gun
If you believe that the things that unite men are more important than those that divide them.
If you believe that being different is a richness, not a danger
If you can choose between hope or fear,
If you believe that it’s you that has to take the first step, not the other …

Then peace will come

If the sight of a child still melts your heart
If you can rejoice from the joy of your neighbour
If injustices to others upset you like an injustice to you,
If for you a stranger you meet is a brother
If you share your bread and can add a piece of your heart to it …

Then peace will come

If you believe that forgiveness has more value than revenge
If you can sing the joy of others, and share their happiness
If you can welcome the poor who is wasting your time, and look at him with sweetness,
If you can welcome and accept a different way of doing things than yours,
If you believe that peace is possible,

Then peace will come. 

Charles de Foucauld

Closing Prayer

I am Peace
surrounded by Peace
secure in Peace.
Peace protects me
Peace supports me
Peace is in me
Peace is mine –
All is well.

Peace to all beings
peace among all beings
Peace from all beings
I am steeped in Peace
Absorbed in peace
in the streets, at our work,
having peaceful thoughts,
peaceful words, peaceful acts.

A Buddhist meditation

May peace surround you this night and awaken with you in the morning. Amen. 

Closing Song: Deep Peace by Aled Jones

https://youtu.be/fD9Ook_bp0w?si=ym0kqQhrVnYdWqPH