I attended Mass today, and the first reading was the benediction we usually get at the end of Mass.
There’s something powerful about encountering familiar words in an unexpected moment. It felt like an invitation rather than a farewell, a foundation rather than a conclusion.
The Aaronic blessing from Numbers is one of the most ancient prayers we have, and it’s remarkable how it moves from protection (“bless you and keep you”) to illumination (“make his face shine on you”) to intimacy (“turn his face toward you”) and finally to shalom, that complete peace that encompasses wholeness, harmony, and flourishing.
It was so refreshing, I decided that my New Year’s post should be dedicated to the spirit of the prayer.
So, here I share it with you as a prayer for you.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26
I love you.
– Osasu Oviawe