Draw strength from your blessings

by Joyce Rupp on Jan. 03, 2011
God, our God, has blessed us.
                --Psalm 67:6

In the first liturgical reading for New Year’s Day God tells Moses to share a beautiful blessing with the Israelites. Moses is to say the them: “The Lord bless and keep you, make his face shine upon you, be gracious to you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). These are marvelous words that we could speak to our friends and loved ones, as well as to ourselves on this January first.

The Gospel also speaks of being blessed by God. Mary felt deep gratitude for her experience at Bethlehem. God blessed her with a healthy son. Visitors were in awe of her child. Angels glorified God at his birth. Mary treasured the blessings and pondered them in her heart. Mary’s blessing would be her strength during the difficult events of the future.

As we enter a new year we, too, are called to ponder the blessings of our past year and to praise God for the treasures which are ours. These blessings can be our strength in the new year. Let us turn off the TV for a while, stop the noise of our life for a few minutes, and remember the ways in which God has brought us peace.

Mary, Mother of Jesus,
teach us how to ponder our treasures,
how to draw strength from our blessings,
as we journey into this new year.

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Thank you, Joyce for the

Submitted by Helen Gennari (not verified) on Jan. 03, 2011.

Thank you, Joyce for the reminder of this beautiful blessing--something to be passed on. I so enjoy your writings. Have a Blessed New Year

Indeed, it turns out that

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Jan. 03, 2011.

Indeed, it turns out that that which was most difficult was the blessing
that allowed other blessings to shine! As it says in Scripture: "I give
thanks to my God..."

"Mary, Mother of Jesus, teach

Submitted by Mercy Michalski (not verified) on Jan. 03, 2011.

"Mary, Mother of Jesus,
teach us how to ponder our treasures,
how to draw strength from our blessings,
as we journey into this new year."

Our blessings are, indeed, the evidence of things not seen...yet! I thank God for you, Sr. Joyce.

"Draw strength from your

Submitted by Leslye (not verified) on Jan. 03, 2011.

"Draw strength from your blessings." How prophetic! Thank you!

Joyce, I have some of your

Submitted by Mary L. Peters (not verified) on Jan. 04, 2011.

Joyce, I have some of your books and I enjoy your writings. Your messages are very inspiring good food for thought. Thank you!

Thank you for blessing us

Submitted by jp (not verified) on Jan. 14, 2011.

Thank you for blessing us with your writing.

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