Smile

The LORD said to Moses: "Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:  This is how you shall bless the Israelites.  Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them." (NM 6:22-27)

The New Year has begun.  Today’s first reading is guidance for 2018.    Can we greet those we like and those not so much, and deliver this blessing: “The LORD bless you and keep you!...”  If only we could and with sincerity.   So much hard feeling and even violence would be less likely.   This blessing is a peace offering. 

Today is the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.  The LORD clearly blessed her, and kept her, and let his face shine upon her.   Throughout the coming year we all wish for the same favor.  Perhaps we can receive that favor if we let our faces shine on others.  We all need to start with smiles and warm welcomes to those in need of a little comfort and compassion.  And there are many.

Deacon David Pierce