PAPER HEARTS

SO MANY THINGS TO BE STRESSED ABOUT THESE DAYS. 

THE WORLD APPEARS TO BE GOING CRAZY WITH THE PANDEMIC (FEARS,SECOND WAVES,ETC.) AND NOW SENSELESS MURDER , RIOTS , LOOTING , AND MANY UNCALLED FOR AND HARSH RETALIATIONS. 

I RECENTLY CAME UPON THIS “NON-TRADITIONAL BLESSING” WHICH IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE ‘FRANCISCAN BLESSING’.

IN 1965 A BENEDICTINE NUN NAMED SISTER RUTH MARLENE FOX WROTE THIS FOR A STUDENT GROUP. IT SEEMS PARTICULARLY APROPOS FOR TODAY….

FRANCISCAN BLESSING

May God bless you with discomfort,
At easy answers, half-truths,
And superficial relationships
So that you may live
Deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression,
And exploitation of people,
So that you may work for
Justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears,
To shed for those who suffer pain,
Rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand
To comfort them and
To turn their pain to joy