Social justice is my passion and this Franciscan blessing used in a recent advent service at my church (Manchester United Methodist) has become my statement of purpose and the theme for this blog on social justice and political action.

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 from pain, rejection, starvation, and war,

so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain to JOY.

And may God bless you with enough FOOLISHNESS

to believe that you can make a difference in this world,

so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.  Amen