"may almighty god bless you"
"Blessed is the man who does not follow the counsel of the wicked, nor go the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. Rather, the law of the Lord is their joy; God's law they study day and night." —Psalm 1:1-2, our transl.
The Lord says: "I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life" (Dt 30:19). The Lord wants to give us a life of blessedness. In fact, He intends to overwhelm us with blessings in the city and the country, while going in and coming out, in every way (Dt 28:2ff). However, we must choose the life of blessing.
We do this by trusting in the Lord rather than in ourselves or others (Jer 17:5, 7). We trust in the Lord by:
- choosing to be poor in some way (Lk 6:20), to live below our means instead of above our means. Because we tend to depend on material things, voluntary poverty is a perfect environment to choose to trust in God rather than ourselves.
- choosing to be hungry (Lk 6:20), that is, choosing not to live for maximum pleasure but for maximum holiness. Holiness is a harrowing journey requiring constant trust in God.
- choosing to weep for our sins (Lk 6:21). If we don't trust someone, we are probably not that sorry about offending them. Sorrow for sins implies trust in God.
- choosing to live for the Lord so boldly, radically, and totally that we deserve to be persecuted (Lk 6:22). This is a great act of trust.
A life of blessing is to choose to trust in God deeply. Choose blessing or you will be cursed. "May almighty God bless you."
Prayer: Father, bless me and make me a blessing to the nations (Gn 12:2-3).
Promise: "But as it is, Christ is now raised from the dead, the First Fruits of those who have fallen asleep." —1 Cor 15:20
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus! Sacred Heart of Jesus, we praise You and put our trust in You!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard Walling, July 18, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 24, 2003