Words have sharp edges. Words cut deep. Sometimes words leave scars, if not on the body, certainly on the soul. In fact, some of us are still bleeding from the unkind, thoughtless word. Francis of Assisi, the author of this beautiful prayer, knows about injury caused by mean words spoken by mean-spirited people. He felt the sting of injury over and over again. But instead of seeking revenge, instead of plotting to get even, he prayed for the capacity to forgive . “where there is injury, (let me sow) pardon.”
There’s a pretty good chance that someone reading these words remembers the hurt and still carries that stone around with them. It’s time to put it down; also that stone of retribution. Let them go. Healing will come when I acknowledge my pain and join St. Francis in sowing seeds of pardon. I know; life has taught us to carry a sack full of rocks in case I meet that person who injured me, but Jesus, the man to whom Francis gave his life, teaches pardon and forgiveness. The sack of rocks gets heavier and heavier as revenge-filled time goes by. Pardon given is the doorway to freedom.
Why not make today the beginning of personal freedom? Put the rocks down; pick up the bag of seeds.
Sow pardon. Make the call, write the note, knock on the door and give to the one who opens it a bouquet of pardon. “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon.”
Shining Spirit 
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