December 1, 2013 | 0 Comments

We are Blessed

What does it mean to be blessed?

This is the season of expressing gratitude and sharing joy. We celebrate, we gather with family & friends, we give gifts. Lets think about what it really means to be blessed.

Matthew 5: 1-16 (ESV)

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

A Prayer to Meditate on

Thanksgiving: stop everything and appreciate. Find gratitude – for life, love and even breath. Hanukkah: stop everything and agitate. Honor the sacred hunger for light in a world that bleeds with human suffering, injustice, loneliness and so much darkness. Thank You for the holy confluence this year of acceptance and non-acceptance, appreciation and agitation. And may this tension inspire wonder and wakefulness, hope and chutzpah in us all.

– Rabbi Sharon Brous (source: Huffington Post Religion Page)

Traditional Buddhist Blessing and Healing Chant

Just as the soft rains fill the streams, pour into the rivers and join together in the oceans, so may the power of every moment of your goodness flow forth to awaken and heal all beings, Those here now, those gone before, those yet to come. By the power of every moment of your goodness May your heart’s wishes be soon fulfilled as completely shining as the bright full moon, as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.

By the power of every moment of your goodness May all dangers be averted and all disease be gone. May no obstacle come across your way. May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.

For all in whose heart dwells respect, who follow the wisdom and compassion, of the Way, May your life prosper in the four blessings of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.

Hindu Scripture – Tirukkural 25: 241-242

Among the wealthy, compassionate men claim the richest wealth, For material wealth is possessed by even contemptible men. Find and follow the good path and be ruled by compassion. For if the various ways are examined, compassion will prove the means to liberation.

Native American Prayer

Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect and to be kind to one another that we may grow with peace in mind.