Musicians are great witnesses of faith. Recently, one of our Religious Ed Coordinators, Lori Layman (St. Jude the Apostle School), gave me her CD entitled “Blessings. ” I finally had a chance to play it on my computer as I worked the other day. It is simply beautiful. Her voice is a pretty as she is, both inside and out. She is my inspiration for this reflection, appropriately so, as we near Thanksgiving. Blessings come in several forms: through people, places and events! I want us to really dive into what it means to be a blessing and to bless.
People
We receive blessings through the hands of those ordained: our priests and deacons. In fact, the Catholic Church uses a liturgical Book of Blessings containing hundreds of prayers for blessing persons, objects, special events and parish events. The Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] #1668 explains, “Sacramentals are instituted for the sanctification of certain ministries of the Church, certain states of life, a great variety of circumstances in Christian life, and the use of many things helpful to man…they always include a prayer, often accompanied by a specific sign, such as the laying on of hands, the sign of the cross, or the sprinkling of holy water (which recalls Baptism).” The explanation continues in CCC #1671, “Among sacramentals, blessings (of persons, meals, objects, and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts…” And still further, CCC#1669 states, “Sacramentals derive from the baptismal priesthood: every baptized person is called to be a ‘blessing,’ and to bless. .” Accordingly, we are commissioned by our Baptism “to be a blessing” and “to bless.” How are we to become one and do the other?
If a blessing praises God and prays for His gifts then being a blessing means to openly show our admiration of and reliance on God in our daily life. This is a powerful witness for those who feel otherwise. By being a blessing for others, we can give them hope, illuminate love and increase their faith.
Then how do we bless each other? I remember a grandmother taking her finger and tracing a little cross on the forehead of her grandchildren as they left her home after a visit. She would tell them “I love you and so does Jesus.” It was a beautiful testimony of her love for them and her confidence in the love of God as she simply handed on the faith through this blessing. We can also bless others with the care and concern we give them. As we near the end of the Jubilee of the Year of Mercy, we recall the works of mercy as definitive moments of blessing another. And more simply, think of the last time you sent a hand-written note to someone with well-wishes? We bless each other when we are Christ to them: present, humble and prayerful.
Places
Recently I have seen many friends share on Facebook pictures of pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Italy, Medjugorje, etc. These are truly extraordinary places which fill the heart with a deep sense faith. Other places which uplift the heart to God may include homes (especially for our flood victims), churches, Adoration Chapels, elder care facilities, state parks, rivers, lakes, mountains. They are countless. Recall a place where you have experienced blessings. Personally for me is the Church of the Assumption in New Orleans with the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos adjacent. I takes a while for me to leave when visiting. God’s presence is strong there.
Events
I am definitely a social being. I get it honestly from an ancestry filled with Italians, French and Irish. So when Church gathers for an event we are serving, greeting, cleaning up and most definitely evangelizing! Sacraments are the highest events in the Church, including the Sacrifice of the Mass. The blessings are literally poured upon souls as our hearts are joined together as one, praising and surrendering to God. There are many “big” events that draw us nearer to Him. But what about the little “moments of blessing?” I am immediately drawn to St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I can only imagine the countless moments of blessing shared with those she tirelessly served.
Some moments are visual and without words: the sunrise, the recent super-moon, a smile, a wave, witnessing an act of kindness. I call these “tingle moments” when we physically feel the Holy Spirit touch us with His “wings.” One such moment for me occurred in the Preschool carpool line with my then 3 year-old daughter. We had the radio on as we shared a satsuma and waited for the line to commence. The song “What a Wonderful World” filled the car. As I enjoyed Louis Armstrong’s raspy voice, I listened to the words for what it seems like the first time. At the same moment I caught a glimpse of my innocent child’s profile sitting to my right. Her sweetness and purity captured me while peaceful gratitude choked me to tears. Talk about tingles. To this day, now 15 years later, each time I hear the same song I still well-up with tears as the event is imprinted in my mind and I am propelled into the moment of blessing. Songs have a way doing that. Recall a moment that has lasting effects on you. Sit with the memory and relish the blessing.
A Final Word about Gratitude
With blessings come gratitude. The blessings we have received are also moments of gratitude for God and others. The most impressionable penance a priest gave me after absolution was to say Ten Hail Mary’s, pausing in between each to state something I am grateful for. It was truly an awakening. With God’s mercy comes gratitude.
The Gospel account of the Cleansing of the Ten Lepers is a provident testimony of gratitude. St. Luke writes, “…And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
Count your blessings this week leading up to Thanksgiving. Write them down as a reminder the goodness of God. Abundant love is His gift to us. Be open to this gift and return to Him gratitude. In honor of the Celebration of Christ the King this Sunday to end our liturgical year, I’ll close with a verse from Revelation 11:17, “We give thanks to you, Lord God almighty, who are and who were. For you have assumed your great power and have established your reign.” Amen!
And…thank you for reading this! May God abundantly pour His blessings upon you today and always!
Peace.