Every New Year’s Day, the first reading of the Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is the same: Numbers 6:22-27. Let’s specifically look at verses 24-26:
“The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!”
Think about the frame of mind Moses (who received this blessing from God), Aaron and his sons (to whom God directed Moses deliver the blessing, to impart upon the Israelites) had to have.
Could they deliver such a message with contempt, anger, resentment, bitterness, prejudice or indifference?
I don’t believe so.
Could any of us deliver such a message – a blessing from God – with any of those negative feelings?
No way.
Instead, we would be compassionate, welcoming, forgiving (if necessary) and joyful in passing along such powerful wishes to others.
If that Old Testament blessing remains in our hearts and minds as we move into the 2020s, we truly can change the world. If that blessing guides our approach to all the people in (or who will come into) our lives, we will inevitably become the face of Christ to them; that is how we, together, can change the world.
Resolve to make everything you say and do reflect Numbers 6:24-26. Let’s keep that resolution … together!