A blessing for you, if you need one-
St Patrick's Breastplate:
Arise today !
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock
Today I arose with the feeling of the good benediction of my father's humor. I think of the story of the prodigal son, and also of Jacob seeking the blessing of the angel by wrestling with him, and how in my own life it was very important for me to seek out the blessings of my father and grandfather. When I taught, one of my favorite parts of the year was St Patrick's day because I took it upon myself to give a blessing to all my students, though some bristled at it. Sometimes I am myself uncomfortable with receiving blessings, feeling sometimes overly sentimental and syrupy. When I am able to receive a blessing though, I am empowered by a sense of abundance and peace. Sometimes a blessing is worth fighting for, though that may seem like a contradiction in terms. It is sometimes a part of the union of opposites, the conjuntio.
John O'Donohue on giving blessings:
from Anam Cara, Chapter 1, The Wounded Gift
— John O’Donohue © All rights reserved
A person should always offer a prayer of graciousness for the love that has awakened in them. When you feel love for your beloved and his or her love for you, now and again you should offer the warmth of your love as a blessing for those who are damaged and unloved. Send that love out into the world to people who are desperate; to those who are starving; to those who are trapped in prison; in hospitals and all the brutal terrains of bleak and tormented lives. When you send that love out from the bountifulness of your own love, it reaches other people. This love is the deepest power of prayer.
