In just a few days, on May 7th, our country observes the National Day of Prayer. Many parishes take this Sunday as an opportunity to remind ourselves of something we should never forget: prayer is not a last resort—it is our first and most powerful response.
We are living in a time marked by war, division, and unrest. We see it in the headlines, we feel it in our communities, and sometimes we even experience it within our own families. It is easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged. It is also easy to think there is little we can do.
But as Christians, we are never powerless.
The Church teaches clearly that peace is not simply the absence of war. True peace is “the tranquility of order,” rooted in justice and charity (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2304). Peace begins in the human heart. And that means it begins with us.
The Catechism reminds us that anger, hatred, and the desire for revenge are not small matters—they are seedsof violence (cf. 2302-2303). When we allow resentment to take root, when we speak harshly, when we refuse to forgive, we contribute—however subtly—to a culture that is already wounded.
On the other hand, when we choose patience, mercy, and understanding, we become instruments of peace.
That’s why the first place we are called to bring peace is not the global stage, but our own homes. If we want peace in the world, it has to start in our families. It starts in how we speak to one another, how we handle disagreements, how quickly we forgive, and how intentionally we love.
This is not always easy. In fact, it can be very difficult. But it is precisely in these ordinary, daily moments that peace is built.
From there, our prayer expands outward. We are called to pray for our communities, for our country, and for our leaders. This can be challenging, especially when we disagree with those in authority. Yet Scripture and the Church both remind us that praying for our leaders is not optional—it is part of our responsibility as believers.
Prayer does something real. It softens hearts—our own and others’. It opens the door for God’s grace to work in ways we cannot see. And it reminds us that God is still in control, even when the world feels chaotic.
The Catechism also speaks about the reality of conflict and the responsibility to work for peace among nations (cf. 2305-2306). While we may not be able to influence global events directly, we can unite ourselves to God through prayer and ask Him to guide those who can. No prayer is wasted. No act of faith is insignificant.
As we approach the National Day of Prayer, I want to invite all of us to take this seriously. Set aside time to pray—not just in a general way, but intentionally. Pray for peace in your home. Pray for peace in our parish and community. Pray for our country. Pray for our leaders by name if you can. And pray for an end to violence and war throughout the world.
That is not just a beautiful phrase—it is a calling.
Father James Schibi, Pastor