This second week of Lent, the theme that found me in the midst of the lectionary readings was “Blessings.” It is also fitting that with St. Patrick’s Day approaching, this is a week when the lyrical lilt of Irish Blessings can speak to us with a bit of wit and wisdom.

Please feel free to follow along the journey of “Blessings” this week, including several daily practices which integrate some of my favorite blessings written by John O’Donohue.  Just click on the image or link below to redirect to the interactive image.

http://stthomasrichmond.org/article/blessings

Here, on my own blog, I will be focusing my daily writing on the theme of “Blessings” as well.

Here’s a blessing to begin the weekly journey.  Wishing you abundant blessings today, and always…

An Irish Blessing

May the blessing of light be upon you.

Light on the outside,

Light on the inside.

With God’s sunlight shining on you,

may your heart glob with warmth,

like a turf fire

that welcomes friends and strangers alike.

May the Light of the Lord

shine from your eyes

like a candle in the window,

welcoming the weary traveler.

May the blessing of God’s soft rain be on you

falling gently on your head,

refreshing your soul

with the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming.

May the strength of the winds of heaven bless you,

carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean

sparking after in the sunlight.

May the blessing of God’s earth be on you.

And as you walk the roads,

may you always have a kind word

for those you meet.