Peace Day 2025, March 4
“Speak Peace. Live Peace"
Prayer: Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy
O divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive
It in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy
O divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive
It in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Peace Day Message 2025
“Speak Peace. Live Peace”
As Jamaicans, we proudly celebrate with the world that famous song written by our beloved, Bob Marley, which calls us to live together in "One Love." Speaking peace and living peace are ways we show that love. But sometimes we are not sure just how to do it.
Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse teaches us that the way we speak can make a big difference in our lives and relationships. When we speak kindly and with peace in our hearts, we can calm even the most difficult situations. On the other hand, angry or harsh words can create conflict and hurt feelings.
And Romans 12:17 also says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” Instead of seeking revenge or fighting back when someone is unkind, we are called to choose peace. “Living Peace” means forgiving others, showing respect, and working together for a better community.
In Jamaica, we have all seen how quickly a quarrel at school or in the neighbourhood can turn into a bigger fight. Imagine if instead of arguing, someone said, “Let’s talk this out,” or “Let’s work together to make things better.” That simple, peaceful response could stop things from getting worse.
Let’s be like the peacemakers in Proverbs and Romans — choosing gentle answers, forgiving others, and spreading harmony wherever we go. Together, we can make our homes, schools, and communities places of peace.
“Speak Peace. Live Peace”
As Jamaicans, we proudly celebrate with the world that famous song written by our beloved, Bob Marley, which calls us to live together in "One Love." Speaking peace and living peace are ways we show that love. But sometimes we are not sure just how to do it.
Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse teaches us that the way we speak can make a big difference in our lives and relationships. When we speak kindly and with peace in our hearts, we can calm even the most difficult situations. On the other hand, angry or harsh words can create conflict and hurt feelings.
And Romans 12:17 also says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” Instead of seeking revenge or fighting back when someone is unkind, we are called to choose peace. “Living Peace” means forgiving others, showing respect, and working together for a better community.
In Jamaica, we have all seen how quickly a quarrel at school or in the neighbourhood can turn into a bigger fight. Imagine if instead of arguing, someone said, “Let’s talk this out,” or “Let’s work together to make things better.” That simple, peaceful response could stop things from getting worse.
Let’s be like the peacemakers in Proverbs and Romans — choosing gentle answers, forgiving others, and spreading harmony wherever we go. Together, we can make our homes, schools, and communities places of peace.