I have had the practice of giving a blessing at times when I am serving Communion.  Some of you may have experienced this on your birthday; if I knew about it, or if you have had a crisis or concern in your life of which I had become aware, or if you had asked for a blessing.  This has been significant for many people.  

Sometimes I have given a blessing simply because I have sensed a need or have had the feeling God has wanted me to do so.  And it has happened, with more frequency than I should probably admit, that I have had to pause or even take a step back before giving communion to the next person at the communion rail to give the blessing that I suddenly felt God telling me to give. It has sometimes felt as if I have received a cuff across the back of my head as if to say: “Lawton, I told you this one; don’t you listen!”  Often in this case the person has said on the way out of Church, “Thank you, I need that blessing,” or “I’m dealing with this or that, and I really appreciate the blessing, I know God cares.”  

I really do believe that God sees and hears our concerns, cares, and emotions.  He cares about us.  Sometimes I, and most of us in general, are not as sensitive to each other as God is. And often I am not as alert or sensitive to God’s words to me as I should be.  But despite this, I believe God cares for us, is aware of our needs, and reaches out to us with his strength and support.  

Blessings,

Canon Donald J Lawton