Dear All
We hear the word’ blessing’ so often in very different contexts: ‘count your blessings’, ‘bless you’, ‘well, I’m blessed’ – just to mention a few. So we thought to have a week focused on blessing. Some of what we are sending you are, in fact, actual blessings of which there are a multitude. There is also an extract from John O’Donohue’s ‘To Bless the space between us’ – John has written extensively & movingly on blessings.
Our musical blessing today suits our theme: ‘Bless to me, O God’ from the Heavenly Peace CD. Maybe we can ask for blessings on ourselves but also on anyone else who in some way is part of our weekend – maybe just someone who is in our thoughts.
With our love
Thank you again, those who have sent us lovely messages, many acknowledging the great ‘person for people’ – all people -that Teresa was. The many kind responses to the news of her death continue to be a great comfort to us. Teresa’s funeral is taking place on Friday 23 May at New Hall. Everyone is welcome. If you are intending to come, please contact us on this e-mail so that we ensure enough seating and refreshments.
Also,
‘Young Caprice’, a seriously good local youth music group, are giving a concert in St Andrews Church, our local Anglican church, on Saturday 17 May 7pm. Very generously Caprice have offered us 50% of the proceeds for our work in Melbourne, the rest going to St Andrew’s Church funds. Mildmay Primary Sing & Sign Choir will also be featured. Tickets cost £10 & we have some to sell. Please let us know if you are interested in attending.
A Blessing
by John O’Donohue
May the light of your soul guide you
May the light of your soul bless the work you do
with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal
to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden.
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you.
John O’Donohue, from Anam Cara: Spiritual Wisdom from a Celtic World (1997).
Blessing – John O’Donohue from ‘To Bless the Space Between Us’.
There is a quiet light that shines in every heart. It is what illuminates our minds to see beauty, our desire to seek possibility, and our hearts to love life. Without this subtle quickening our days would be empty and wearisome, and no horizon would ever awaken our longing. Our passion for life is quietly sustained from somewhere in us that is wedded to the energy and excitement of life. This shy inner light is what enables us to recognize and receive our very presence here as blessing. We enter the world as strangers who, all at once, become heirs to a harvest of memory, spirit and dream that has long proceeded us and will now enfold, nourish and sustain us. The gift of the world is our first blessing.
Blessings:
May the Spirit of God be the fire that blows free in you, the water that refreshes you, the fire that warms you.
May you know long life & love abundant enough to turn you towards truth & beauty, & sustain you in joy & sorrow.
May you walk in the way of reverence, a friend not only to yourself, but to the whole earth & all its peoples.
May the God in whose hands are held protect you from harm & fill your days with gladness, Amen.