Monday, October 24, 2011

A Four-fold Franciscan Blessing

May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator,

Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour,

and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide,

be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.

AMEN

[I’ve been unable reliably to trace an original source for this—if anyone knows, I’d appreciate a comment!]

3 comments:

Spriggle said...

I have tracked down the answer! The author is by Sr. Ruth Fox, OSB and the prayer is A Four-fold Benedictine Blessing (1985).
Source: http://www.allsaintsbrookline.org/prayers/prayer4.html

Mike Farley said...

If that's true, then somewhere along the line we Franciscans have nicked it. Typical!

Gaye said...

Regardless it is a wonderful prayer....,and welcome today. Thank you