Praying with the Franciscan’s

A Franciscan Blessing

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 to joy
And may God bless you
With enough 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.

Amen

2 Responses to Praying with the Franciscan’s

1. Marisa says:

   September 10, 2012 at 1:40 pm

   I prefer not to listen to Catholics, the ones responsible for the savage Cruzades and the massacre of the Inquisition. I wouldn’t listen to one who accepts that church which has its hands full of blood.
   Besides, I don’t think God wants us to live that way. I only think that some of us have bad lives for a reason I don’t understand. My life and my late son’s, have been a permanent pain and sacrifice, physically, emotionally and spiritually. You know that, J.R. You sent me that text in a day I’m very down, frustrated and blue. It’s not helping me. I live only waiting for my life to end and go with Mauricio. Every day is worse than the previous one. You are not helping me, J.R.

   Reply
2. JR Woodward says:

   September 10, 2012 at 11:46 pm

   Marisa,

   If you knew the life of St. Francis, you would truly be encouraged. He was a peacemaker, and a prophetic voice to the catholic church. I think if one reads this blessing deeply, it can be an encouragement. Sorry that it wasn’t for you.

   Reply