Discomfort, anger, tears and foolishness - what a blessing!

What do think of when you hear the word 'blessings'? I think of things like health, loving family, enough to eat - things that make me feel good, comfortable or joyful. I don't think first of discomfort, anger, tears and foolishness. So when, thanks to 'Blue Eyed Ennis',  I came across this anonymous blessing, quoted below, it really made me think. It's called the Franciscan Blessing, not because St Francis wrote it, but because it's in the Franciscan tradition. This is not an easy prayer to pray. Oh yes, the words are easy to say, but am I prepared for God to grant this request? 

FRANCISCAN BLESSING

May God bless us with a restless discomfort
at easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships,
so that we may seek truth boldly
and love deep within our heart.


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


May God bless us with the gift of tears
to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation,
or the loss of all they cherish,
so that we may reach out your hand to comfort them
and transform their pain into joy.


May God bless us with enough foolishness
to believe that we really can make a difference in this world,
so that we are able, with God's grace
to do what others claim cannot be done.

Image Credit: 'Break my world' Jason Samfield on Flickr, CC Licence