I recently read this lovely reflection by Cardinal John. The message is moving and powerful and I invite you to ponder how this message could enhance your own life.

'I thought of this reflection a few days ago when a beautiful book was given to me called “Benedictus – A Book of Blessings.”

As I have been using this book to pray with and reflect I have also been thinking of how good it would be, what a blessing it would be, if we could see that everything is a blessing, that all is gift and that God is the Giver behind the gift.

The author of this book, John O’Donoghue, wrote in the introduction:

“In the parched deserts of post-modernity a blessing can be like the discovery of a fresh well. It would be lovely if we could rediscover our power to bless each other. I believe each of us can bless. When a blessing is involved it changes the atmosphere. In the light and reverence of a blessing, a person or situation becomes illuminated in a completely new way.”

What a privilege it would be for each of us to change the atmosphere around us, to illuminate persons and situations by living in such a way that we are a blessing for everyone else. We can do this if we see that it is a holy thing just to be alive, it is a blessing.

However that is not possible for everyone, for many people life is a struggle, there are crises to contend with, the heartache of broken relationships, the challenge for many of putting food on the table, staying warm and dry in the winter, the challenge of loneliness for many... Such situations are opportunities to be a blessing for one another.

Perhaps, this prayer might help us. I know it helps me at the beginning of each day.

“May I live this day

Compassionate of heart

Clear in word

Gracious in awareness

Courageous in thought

Generous in love.”

Ka Whiti Mai Te Rā - Let Your Light Shine