Thoughts for the Day

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

There have been times in my life that I have felt truly blessed - whether that was being ordained a priest, or getting a new job. But I wonder how much of this is self-congratulation? Social media gives us pictures each day of those who feel blessed. But all too often this can be a way of boasting about our life, while trying to sound humble. It can also mean that we feel self-sufficient and don't need God.

In our Bible there are a number of Greek and Hebrew words that mean “blessing.” One of these is Makarios. It doesn't just mean that someone is made happy, rather it means we are made more than happy - that love and mercy are 'enlarged' we might say. This is how someone feels when God extends His blessings on them, as in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5.1-12). So it is when a priest or minister makes a statement of blessing at the end of a time of worship. It is a wish for God to restore and enlarge His favour upon us because we abide in Him. The ultimate blessing is a reminder that God has given us a new life and forgiveness because of our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

The blessings that come from work or family or any other material thing can be temporary, whereas the blessings that come from God are eternal. So when the priest raises his hand in the Blessing at the end of a Service we should know that he or she asks God's everlasting blessings upon us.

Heavenly Father,
we believe that You sent Your Son
to be our Saviour.
He taught us that because of this
we abide in Him and He in us.
This day we ask Your eternal blessing upon us,
that as Your children we may
continue to grow in faith
through the power of the Holy Spirit,
and learn to take Your love to others
Amen.