Numbers 6:22-26 (NRSV)
Read Numbers 6:22-26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Verse 23Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, Verse 24The Lord bless you and keep you; Verse 25the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; Verse 26the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Devotion
As a child in Puerto Rico, every time I entered or left my house, I would “pedir la bendicion” – ask a blessing – whenever I was in the presence of an elder or someone respected in the community. This became so much a part of my life that I would feel incomplete until I would say “bendicion” and receive the response, “Que Dios te Bendiga” – may God bless you. It gave me comfort to know that many people were blessing me every day and reminding me that God was constantly showering me with love and protection.
On this day, we remember what the Lord said to Moses: “Tell Aaron and his sons, this is how you are to bless the Israelites … ” What a gift we give and receive as we are reminded, through this priestly blessing, that this is what God wants for us. God loves us and has sent his son to share this love that keeps us, comforts us and gives us peace.
Prayer
Thank you God for the many ways your power is evident in our lives. May we always know and rest in the certainty of your blessings for ourselves and our neighbors. Amen.