Blessings and Reflections, the right note

The Shehechechchiyanu Blessing

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam Shehehchiyahnu vekiyamanu vehegianu lazman ha-zeh

Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, and sustained us, and enabled us to reach this moment.

Often in interfaith wedding ceremonies where one of the couple is Jewish this Hebrew blessing will be read by family member. Not until a summer wedding in 2021 did the translation of this beautiful blessing strike all of us like a lightening bolt. I find myself whispering this praise and thank you prayer to the Divine and thinking of the couple who brought it to my attention. I learn so much from all of you. Thank you.

Reflection: (Thank you, Jeff Wolverton, for bringing this reading to my attention)

"Marriage," Meher Baba says, "is to be undertaken as a real spiritual enterprise that is intended to discover what life can be at its best. It is and opportunity for two souls to establish a real and lasting understanding that can cope with the most complex and delicate of situations. It is a medium through which two souls offer their united love and service to the whole family of humanity."

 

Reading: Blessing the Boats ( at St. Mary's ) by Lucille Clifton

may the tide 

that is entering even now 

 the lip of our understanding

carry you out

beyond the face of fear

may you kiss

the wind then turn from it

certain that it will

love you back

 may you 

open your eyes to water

water waving forever

and may you in your innocence

sail through this to that

Somehow these three readings strike a chord, the right note, as we switch from solo to duet and finally to a chorus.