A few months ago, I was invited to participate in a podcast via Zoom to discuss the changing immigration landscape. As the event neared its end, the host invited me to close the broadcast with a benediction. Since this was a largely non-religious event, the request surprised me, but he explained that he grew up Lutheran and thought it would be a good way to end the program. I decided to share a blessing that I have used previously, often attributed to the Franciscans:
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep in your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people and the earth so that you will work for justice, equity and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer so that, together, you find strength and hope in knowing that you are not alone.
May God bless you with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world so that you will do the things which others say cannot be done.
As we pause this week to give thanks for the many blessings we have received, I pray that you might count among them the discomfort, anger, tears, and foolishness expressed in this benediction. We are living in changing and challenging times, and while our holiday celebrations can be a wonderful way to take a break from it all and rest and reflect, I pray it will also be a time to remember what matters most in this life and to find the energy and passion we will need to become a blessing to others.
In Christ,
Bishop Paul Erickson
