Published in the January 2025 issue of Give Us This Day:
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! —Numbers 6:22-27
At first glance, we might wonder why the beautiful words of the Blessing of Aaron are included in the Mass of Mary, Mother of God, celebrated as we enter the new year. Yes, the prayer is gorgeous and familiar, the sentiment comforting and uplifting, but why now? This priestly blessing, given by God to Moses and spoken by Aaron and his descendants, is one of the oldest written pieces of Scripture, discovered in 1979 tucked into a silver amulet in a burial cave near Jerusalem and dating back some 2,600 years. We can understand why this verse would have held so much power for our Hebrew brothers and sisters, but how does it fit into our story today and Mary’s feast?
Jesuit Father Victor Cancino, writing in America magazine, explains, “Jesus, the Son of God and Mary, is an incarnation of the priestly blessing for the world. Whenever anyone calls upon this holy child, God blesses, protects, looks upon with grace and confers kindness and peace. Mary is the fundamental channel of God’s grace in the new covenant. Mary, as the original and exemplary disciple, reminds Christ’s followers to act as channels of blessing to all they encounter.”
There is clearly something about this blessing that speaks to our hearts. We hear the words and know it is meant for us. Next to my front door, I have a small wall hanging of the Immaculate Heart that opens to reveal a space for a hidden message. Rolled up in that heart is this Blessing of Aaron. I consider it my Christian version of the Jewish tradition of hanging a Mezuzah near the front door. This blessing marks us as beloved children of God and disciples on the journey. Today let these words take up residence in your own heart, offering protection and blessing, comfort and hope.
And here is a favorite song that incorporates this beautiful blessing:
Mary DeTurris Poust, “The Blessing of Aaron,” from the January 2025 issue of Give Us This Day, www.giveusthisday.org (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2024). Used with permission.
Photo by Mary DeTurris Poust
