A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless us with discomfort
at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
so that we may live from deep within our hearts.

May God bless us with anger
at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,
so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless us with tears
to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that we may reach out our hands to comfort them
and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless us with just enough foolishness
to believe that we can make a difference in the world,
so that we can do what others claim cannot be done:
to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

– Sister Ruth Fox