Dear Friends,
As our Lenten journey continues, I offer you this Franciscan blessing recently shared, which reminds me of those in our community and beyond who are struggling in mind, body or spirit, or walking with others 'who in is transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness or other adversity' (BCP p. 329).
May God bless us with a restless discomfort
about easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
so that we may seek truth boldly and love deep within our hearts.
May God bless us with holy anger
at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that we may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless us with the gift of tears
to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation,
or the loss of all that they cherish,
so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and
transform their pain into joy.
May God bless us with enough foolishness
to believe that we really can make a difference in this world,
so that we are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim
cannot be done.
And may the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon us and all we love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.
Lenten blessings,
Anne