A Good Friday Benediction

The brutal scourge,

the thorny crown,

the cruel cross,

the intense pain,

the deep agony,

the merciless dying,

the horrific death,

the dark tomb,

the numbing shock,

the stunned silence.

Now we wait.

Though our hearts ache, we are not without hope.

But now . . . we wait.

We do not despair, for we have the promise.

But now . . . we wait.

The cross has spoken . . .

but the cross does not have the final word.

Death has spoken . . .

But death does not have the final word.

The tomb has made its decree . . .

but the tomb does not have the final word.

The final word belongs to Him who is the Resurrection and the Life.

And He will soon speak.

But now . . . we wait.

We go from this place, reflecting on the Cross, but anticipating the Resurrection, where death will be swallowed up in victory.

Now may the God of peace

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

the great shepherd of the sheep,

by the blood of the eternal covenant,

equip you with everything good that you may do his will,

working in us that which is pleasing in his sight,

through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

- Hebrews 13:20-21

A Franciscan Benediction

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.

A Franciscan Benediction

I came across this today and found it worthy of sharing. It is called a Franciscan Benediction.

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy

May God bless you with foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor

Discomfort, anger, tears, foolishness... not often thought of as blessings. May God bless you in ways you wouldn't expect.