A Franciscan Blessing

May God bless you with discomfort,
At easy answers, half-truths,
And superficial relationships
So that you may live
Deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression,
And exploitation of people, 
So that you may work for 
Justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer in pain,
Rejection, hunger, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand
To comfort them and 
To turn their pain to joy.

And my God bless you with even foolishness
To believe that you can
Make a difference in the world,
So that you can do
What others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness
To all our children and the poor.

Amen