A Blessing for New Beginnings

Paul writes – One of the books I received as Christmas presents last year was Benedictus: A Book of Blessings (pub. 5 Nov. 2007) by John O’Donohue. It’s a wonderful book – its poetry, metaphor and language is rich and evocative. In a world where it is easier to curse and demonize the other; in a world where so many individuals carry within them the weight of a deep awareness of their profound loneliness. For others, their life journey through this world is characterised by a profound experience of sadness and loss; of hopes unrealized, and of dreams having faded away.

In times such as these, perhaps now more than ever, there is often unspoken, but nonetheless real need for churches and faith communities to be the sources and voices of blessing and life in their local contexts. It has always been the churches call - to bless, offer and extend life in all its fullness – since God made a covenant with Abraham.

O’Donohues book reminds us (well it did me) of the loss of vocation; he gifts to us again the beautiful language and effectual work of blessings. Certainly I felt compelled to wonder what a difference it might be if churches and faith-communities were to recover this vital work of blessing and unifying rather than condemning and factionalising. What might happen if we brought blessings, liberation, healing and life to the places we find ourselves? What if we were to take more seriously, and work with, peoples deepest desire and longing? What might happen if in extending blessings we became gentler and wiser, more gracious and less shrill…?

Benedictus invites and pushes. It challenges and evokes an alternative route. This book is a treasure. It’s the gift of a different way of speaking, a gentler rhythm, and a different (but not necessarily easier) way of being in the world. I recommend it.

As it’s a new year… a time of beginnings I thought I’d share one of John’s blessings. It’s titled For a New Beginning (p. 32). It ties in for me with Maggi’s fine Advent to Epiphany book (I can’t count the number of times it has felt so very relevant, so alive, and so connected with my own realities… my own inner reflection. E.g. read today’s reflection (Jan 2) in parallel with my reflection on why I blog). Through her book Maggi extends the same blessing of new beginnings in different words.

For a New Beginning

“In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness grow inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the grey promises that sameness whispered,

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plentitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.” 

Comments

[Gary Manders]

This is a superb book and a beautiful way to approach life. John O'Donnohue is one of those people I would love to have coffee with and just hear him talk. He speaks and writes with the same lyrical quality that is entrancing with his Irish brogue, sharp intellect and humour. I was fortunate to hear him at Greenbelt. Read his other books if you haven't already, which I am sure you have. His next book is likely to be on Eckhart.

[jonnybaker]

thanks - hadn'/t spotted the o donahue book. i have really enjoyed maggi's book as well. cheers

[Di]

Have you seen this?? - John's site today.

John O'Donohue passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 3, 2008.

[Paul Fromont]

No I hadn't Di. What a shock...