I came across this blessing this week, I had never seen it before.
It is attributed to the earliest followers of St Francis of Assisi, a monk who lived in Italy 800 years ago.
I love the longing to have our hearts broken for what breaks the heart of God.
We may face different issues today than those faced by Francis: Assisted Dying Legislation, Abortion, Domestic Violence and Gender Discrimination in the Church, but they move us in the same ways.
(I used this benediction at our Parish Council Meeting and the Darling Downs Zone Lutheran Pastors Fraternal this week)
Pastor Joel
"May God bless us with discomfort At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships So that we may live from deep within our hearts.
May God bless us with anger At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of God’s creations So that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless us with tears To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, So that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless us with just enough foolishness To believe that we can make a difference in the world, So that we can do what others claim cannot be done: To bring justice and kindness to all our children and all our neighbors who are poor. Amen."