Happy St Patrick's Day!!

 

Happy St Patrick's Day all! Just a musical version of the Irish blessing that has become so popular. This was done during the COVID pandemic I believe and is a wonderful version. Also, it strikes me that while I sometimes make fun of how Irish everyone claims to be during this holiday, it would be wonderful if we could all claim the same identity in this way every day of the year -- not because we are Irish since most of us are not, but simply because we are human beings, created by the One God, and trying to become more truly human with and for one another in the Kindom of God! Could you imagine parades, and costumes, and pageants, and celebrations of our unified and unifying humanity that had the same kind of spirit and passion as St Patrick's Day celebrations of often merely putative Irishness? Just a thought!! 

I wish you God's own blessing. May he make his face shine upon you and bring you the fullness of life and peace!! This year, may God especially remind us of the delight he takes in every person in this world and forgive us for the divisive attitudes and actions we have nurtured or taken, some, even in the supposed name of Jesus, God's own Christ.

 Lyrics for Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, be Thou my true Word;
Be Thou ever with me, and I with Thee, Lord;
Be Thou my dear Father, and I as Thy son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee, one.

Will Thou preserve me, midst all of my foes?
Thy love as a fortress, that none can o'erthrow;
O be Thou my guardian, my shield and my stay;
Protect and defend me, through all of my days.

Be Thou my vision, O ruler of all;
Great heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Grant me Thy presence, when victory is won;
Great high king of heaven, my heaven's bright sun.