O Eternal One, You who live outside of time and reside in the imperishable moment, we ask Your blessing on this new year. Help us to experience each second of life, help us not to miss that which is important.
World Day of Peace
Reflection
Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. The biblical vision of peace (Shalom) is that of one community embracing all creation. To be God’s instrument of peace is to be empty of all obstacles to peace, to relate to all others without prejudice, anger, jealousy, greed or violence. It is to meet others, human and non-human, with goodwill, care, concern and a desire to heal the wounds and differences of the past. It requires us to surrender our own selfishness. What would our world be like if as individuals and as a nation we sought to be instruments of this peace?
Today, on the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis calls us to reflect on the theme Artificial Intelligence\ce and Peace.
Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Action
Suggested Reading
I am leaving you at peace. I am giving you my own peace. I am not giving it to you as the world gives. So don’t let your hearts be troubled, and don’t be afraid.
John 14:27
It is my prayer at the start of the New Year that the rapid development of forms of artificial intelligence will not increase cases of inequality and injustice all too present in today’s world, but will help put an end to wars and conflicts, and alleviate many forms of suffering that afflict our human family.
Pope Francis
If artificial intelligence were used to promote integral human development, it could introduce important innovations in agriculture, education and culture, an improved level of life for entire nations and peoples, and the growth of human fraternity and social friendship. In the end, the way we use it to include the least of our brothers and sisters, the vulnerable and those most in need, will be the true measure of our humanity.
Pope Francis
Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.
Goran Persson
Each year’s regrets are envelopes in which messages of hope are found for the New Year.
John R. Dallas Jr.
Make New Year’s goals. Dig within, and discover what you would like to have happen in your life this year. This helps you do your part. It is an affirmation that you’re interested in fully living life in the year to come.
Melody Beattie
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
Oprah Winfrey
Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.
Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.
Nido Qubein
Each day is a new beginning, the chance to do with it what should be done and not to be seen as simply another day to put in time.
Catherine Pulsifer