Easter Message 2026
from Brother David
This year as well, you are receiving an Easter letter from Br. David .
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“One Minute for Peace”
The European Network for Grateful Living sent an email that began with the following quote:
Simply pausing for a few moments
and opening ourselves
to the power of love that moves the universe.
The essence is to be still and to bless,
to pause and to give thanks.
Pause and bless. Pause and give thanks.
(Br. David Steindl-Rast, from Music of Silence: Living in the Rhythm of the Hours)
Message
Let me admit it, dear friends:
Quite often, when I see the suffering and destruction of our poor world, I nearly despair. And yet, spring bursting forth these days with such elemental power gives me new courage.
A single forsythia bush against the blue sky is enough to convince me that life is more powerful than death. And in the Easter liturgy we celebrate on an even deeper level that same power stirring within each one of us.
May we let it flow through us into the whole world. I trust that it is strong enough to heal every wound and to fill all that is dead with new life.
Your brother David
Br. David Steindl-Rast will turn 100 on July 12 (in just under 100 days). Throughout his life, he has been an advocate for peace and justice and has emphasized the importance of moments of silence in our lives.
For this reason, you are invited, for 100 days, to take one minute each day to pause, to be awake and present, and to consciously choose peace and reconciliation in your heart.
Because our thoughts evoke feelings, and our feelings shape how we act. Every good thought and every good feeling is a small gesture—one that, together with others, leads to something much greater.
You can participate by taking one minute each day at 4:00 PM, from April 3 to July 12, to sit or walk in silence in your own way.
Alternatively, you may join by praying the Peace Prayer of the European monastery Gut Aich, which is prayed each day at the end of the afternoon meditation.
You can also listen to Br. David as he recites the Peace Prayer in German, English, and Spanish.
The peace prayer of Europakloster Gut Aich
Brother David Steindl-Rast reads the peace prayer of Europakloster Gut Aich (German/English/Spanish)
English reciting start at 01:18
Peace Prayer of Europakloster Gut Aich
Almighty, gracious, and merciful God,
together with all people of goodwill
we pray for peace in this world
to touch the hearts of all people
and grant us thoughts of peace and reconciliation.
Pour into our hearts reverence for the life of every individual;
for the life of all peoples, religions, and nations;
and for the gift of creation.
Grant that the will for peace may overcome hatred
and that vengeance may give way to reconciliation.
Let people know that
they are all your children, brothers and sisters
on whom you bestow your love,
and let all of us live in this love.
Gracious God,
make me and all people instruments of your peace.
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The Netherlands・Dankbaar leven