THE BLESSING

THE BLESSING

In June 1996, I had attended a retreat my spiritual director Fr. Ed Mclean was giving on “compassion” at Wisdom House, in Litchfield, CT. During this retreat, Fr. McLean gave us all an opportunity to anoint each other on the forehead. Through this special, meaningful session, is how I began to administer this anointing, reserving it for special moments, at special places. The sign of the cross blessing, or anointing on one's forehead, is an invitation to open dialogue for intervention, an avenue for their heart and soul, to respond. The sign of the cross, is a spiritual blessing, which proclaims a belief of faith: a call to action to the Holy Spirit. It is a blessing, and also a protection from evil forces. The sign of the cross blessing is not reserved for priests, or for the pulpit, but can be used by anyone to bless another. The sign of the cross blessing by the wave of the hand, or anointing on the forehead, is a formal act, that is intimate and meaningful. It is unfortunate, that this action is not readily used more often by the lay person. In gifted moments, anointing on the forehead to another, is indeed a special spiritual overture, opening one's heart of compassion upon another. A sign of the cross blessing is powerful, in retrospect to the cross, that it can be of a miraculous gift to another. A blessing of this magnitude, could open one's faith to healing and special graces. It is an outward sign of one's internal spiritual belief. For a stranger, is one you take into your heart, bringing them before the Lord for gifts and intercession. There is a handshake, a hug, a kiss, a word, a gesture, all responsive to a need. The sign of the cross blessing, is a compassionate gesture: an intercessor, lifting you up in reverence, to receive the Lord's guidance and mercy. This, is what I call, “instant prayer.” For in this moment, you have been brought into the Lord's presence, for distribution of His gifts, and blessings. I do not take this anointing lightly; for when you have taken a step forward to act as a custodian for another, you become a sponsorship to this person's needs. You do not bring this person to the Lord, and leave. Through continuous prayer and action, is the fulfillment of your introduction. 

It has been said: “When you leave this place, you can’t take it with you.” What you do take with you, is the soul of thyself, and within it, those hearts and souls you have touched along the way. This, is what pleases the Lord: that you spoke in His name, and you administered His Heart of Mercy, to another.

Robert J Varrick

rjvarrick@gmail.com