Blessings

[Sanvean]

The Catechism describes blessing as "the basic movement of Christian prayer". There are a number of different forms of blessings in the Church, ranging from the blessing of sacramentals to the blessing we all receive at the end of the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

It is the calling of every single baptized person to both be a blessing and to bless, although "the more a blessing concerns ecclesial and sacramental life, the more is its administration reserved to the ordained ministry". Blessings "include both praise of God for his work and gifts, and the Church's intercession for men that they may be able to use God's gifts according to the spirit of the Gospel".

Blessings are first among sacramentals, and "every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts".

When a priest blesses a rosary or some similar object, it becomes a sacramental. That is, it has been consecrated to God. There are also blessings that consecrate persons to God(ie, religious profession).

As a layperson, I'm called to pray that people I meet will be blessed. This is not the same, however, as when a priest blesses a person.

There's one priest at my parish that really, really enjoys giving blessings. I don't think I have ever had a conversation with him, no matter how brief, that didn't end with a blessing. When I was first converting, the whole process left me mystified. Still does, really.

Any thoughts?

[Quietfire]

Yeah.
Where do you attend Mass?
So I can meet your priest.
Sounds like a wonderful man.

Peace

[Sanvean]

A pretty cathedral in the city where I go to school. My priest is indeed a wonderful man... I don't think I have ever met someone so on fire with the love of God as him(not a hard accomplishment, being a convert ). He's still a pretty new priest, and absolutely full of energy. An amazing confessor, as well. Has a bad habit of leaving people in tears, and not in a bad way.

Though, I do remember a few months ago, before going home for the summer, I ended up with a long lecture on the different types of martyrdom and why I should be struggling to embrace them whenever I am able. Eeks! Also the kind of guy who isn't shy about homilies regarding humility.

Heh. Makes me homesick.

[Apotheoun]

[quote name='Sanvean' date='Aug 1 2004, 10:56 AM'] The Catechism describes blessing as "the basic movement of Christian prayer". There are a number of different forms of blessings in the Church, ranging from the blessing of sacramentals to the blessing we all receive at the end of the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

It is the calling of every single baptized person to both be a blessing and to bless, although "the more a blessing concerns ecclesial and sacramental life, the more is its administration reserved to the ordained ministry". Blessings "include both praise of God for his work and gifts, and the Church's intercession for men that they may be able to use God's gifts according to the spirit of the Gospel".

Blessings are first among sacramentals, and "every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts".

When a priest blesses a rosary or some similar object, it becomes a sacramental. That is, it has been consecrated to God. There are also blessings that consecrate persons to God(ie, religious profession).

As a layperson, I'm called to pray that people I meet will be blessed. This is not the same, however, as when a priest blesses a person.

There's one priest at my parish that really, really enjoys giving blessings. I don't think I have ever had a conversation with him, no matter how brief, that didn't end with a blessing. When I was first converting, the whole process left me mystified. Still does, really.

Any thoughts? [/quote]
This is a wonderful presentation on the nature of blessings, thank you for posting it.

God bless,
Todd