On Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Sisters of Divine Mercy Community, Wenchi, one of the Professed Communities of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word (SVI) in the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, gathered for their monthly recollection which focused on the need to sow the seed love and not hatred.
This spiritual exercise forms part of the community’s commitment to ongoing spiritual renewal, personal growth, and strengthening the bonds of sisterhood was on the Theme: “Where There is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love”
Present at the recollection were Sr. Alice Adu Amoah, Community Superior, Sr. Dorothy Amankwah, Sr. Rebecca Asante, Sr. Alice Asima, Sr. Veronica Bawiah, and Sis. Margaret Balma.
The recollection took place at the Divine Mercy Community residence in Wenchi , Bono Region, providing a peaceful atmosphere for prayer, reflection, and encounter with God.
It was facilitated by Sr. Rebecca Asante, SVI, who led the Sisters in reflecting on the theme, “Where There is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love,” inspired by the Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and rooted in the Gospel text of Matthew 5:44-45, where Jesus teaches His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
In her presentation, Sr. Rebecca invited the Sisters to reflect deeply on a striking aspect of St. Francis’ prayer. St. Francis did not ask God to remove hatred from the world; rather, he prayed, “Let me sow love.”
This simple prayer shifts the focus from what others should do to what each person is called to become. It is a prayer that challenges Christians not to wait for others to change first, but to allow God to make them instruments of peace and reconciliation.
The reflection touched on the reality that hatred is not always loud or obvious but sometimes, it reveals itself quietly through silence that punishes, unresolved resentment, unhealthy comparisons, exclusion, or the tendency to revisit old wounds. Such attitudes can gradually affect relationships within community life and hinder genuine communion.
Recognising these realities, the Sisters were encouraged to honestly acknowledge areas of brokenness while remaining open to God’s healing grace.
Drawing from the example of Jesus Christ, Sr. Rebecca reminded the community that Jesus Himself experienced betrayal, rejection, and suffering. Yet even in the midst of His pain, His response was forgiveness. From the Cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them.”
This example, Sr Rebecca noted, challenges every Christian to choose love even when it is difficult and costly.
One of the most thought-provoking images used during the reflection was that of a farmer. A farmer does not give up on hard soil but patiently continues to cultivate and water it.
In the same way, Christians are called to keep sowing seeds of love, kindness, patience, and understanding even in difficult situations and relationships. Love is often expressed not through extraordinary actions but through simple daily choices: offering help without expecting recognition, praying for someone who has caused hurt, speaking kindly when tempted to criticize, or extending a smile when one’s heart feels wounded.
The recollection also explored the meaning of agape, the selfless and sacrificial love of Christ. This love is not based on feelings but on a deliberate decision to seek the good of others. It is the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated on the Cross and the love to which every religious sister is called. The participants reflected on how this love can transform both individuals and communities when lived faithfully.
As the recollection progressed, the sisters were invited to place their wounds, struggles, and relationships before the Lord, trusting Him to transform them into opportunities for growth and grace.
A profound realization emerged: when we choose to sow love where there is hatred, God is not only working in the hearts of others; He is also transforming our own hearts. Hatred hardens the one who carries it, but love softens and heals the one who sows it.
The recollection concluded with moments of personal prayer and silent reflection, allowing each sister to internalize the message and discern practical ways of living it in daily community life.
The atmosphere throughout the day was marked by openness, prayerfulness, and a renewed desire to become instruments of God’s peace.
The monthly recollection proved to be a meaningful and enriching experience for the sisters of Divine Mercy Community. It served as a reminder that true peace begins in the human heart and that every act of love, however small, has the power to transform relationships and strengthen community life.
Inspired by the words of St. Francis of Assisi, the Sisters left with a renewed commitment to sow love wherever hatred exists and to become living witnesses of Christ’s love in their community and ministry.
By Sr. Rebecca Asante, SVI, (Catholic Sister Communicators Network , Ghana -CASCON -GH)
