Numbers 6:24 The LORD bless you and keep you. When I got up to leave after having coffee with her at the airport Starbucks, Jane placed her hand on my head. Using a thumb to draw a cross on my forehead, she said, “The Lord bless you and keep you.” This is the Aaronic blessing, so called because the Lord commanded Moses to give it to Aaron for use in blessing the Israelites. It was the blessing that saints Francis and Clare used to encourage others to follow Christ in their daily lives. It is commonly used by Franciscans today, especially at the taking of vows. Jane’s blessing reminded me that we were Franciscans. I recalled our journey, from fast friends to near enemies and now enduring sisters. I saw her as a WOMAN of simple faith who blesses others; and myself as A bit of a snake now cloaked in her blessing. I opened my mouth to reply but no words came, and we parted. Walking away, I let go of the persistent discomfort I carried into our meeting and instead imagined putting on a new coat made from fibers of love. It felt healing.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 22:29:39 +0000
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