Lord, we pray
for the power to be gentle;
the strength to be forgiving;
the patience to be understanding;
and the endurance
to accept the consequences
of holding to what
we believe to be right.
“If the church’s only (or main) purpose is to be a moral watchdog, dealing out shame to those who don’t measure up to some standards (usually involving sexuality) while giving others a free pass (usually when it comes to economic injustice), then the church is going to die.”
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
a franciscan benediction
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 deeply within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger
at injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of people,
so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all peoples.
May God bless you 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 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 you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
And may the grace and peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
be with you and remain with you from this day and forevermore
AMEN.
insanity
do not be afraid
rules for life
hope for peace
Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim on Unsplash
