In my meditation early this morning, I decided to explore a beautiful prayer attributed to the 14th Dalai Lama from the Buddhist tradition. The similarities between this prayer and the message of Jesus are striking. So, as a start, I wrote the title of the prayer at the top of my blank sheet of paper: “Prayer For Peace.” Then, a few minutes into the reflection, I noticed that I had inadvertently put the word “For” in place of the correct word: “Of” Everything changed. The whole thrust of the prayer shifted when I mistakenly wrote “For.” I had turned the prayer toward a petition, a request that God might bring peace to our time. But what the original prayer was designed to do was celebrate that you and I can become living peace. This is a Prayer OF Peace. This is an acknowledgement that what God offers is living peace embodied in people like you and me.
Now my mind went to the lovely words of St. Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…” Make me! I am a voice, a song, a hand of peace in the “becoming.” Living peace.
Then the words of Jesus surfaced: My peace I leave with you. My peace I give you…
His parting gift to the faithful was the robe of peace. Put it on, he might have said. Wear it everyday. This is who you are now…become who are are. Along with telling people about peace, be peace.
A little word can make a big difference. Not “For” but “Of.” All of this reminds me once again that the joy of following Christ is in the becoming…becoming the fullness of who we really are. In gratitude, press on into this good day…as Peace.
Shining Spirit 
I will try to be a piece of Peace.