No one but God knows for sure the date or origin of “The Four-Fold Franciscan Blessing.” It carries a Franciscan title, but some have argued whether it is likely more Benedictine than Franciscan (both are orders of the Catholic faith). Many believe it dates to the Medieval Ages, but others dispute that.
It doesn’t matter. Whatever its age, origins, or religious affiliation, this blessing resonates with me as a Christian – it inspires. I hope it will move you as it did me.
A 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 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 are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
Amen.
I love this! It touches me deeply. ..
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