Fr. Dawid Kwiatkowski
St. Anne Catholic Church
As we step into the new year, many of us carry hopes for renewal, peace, and joy. It’s fitting, then, that on Jan. 1, the Catholic Church celebrates not only the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, but also reflects on a profound biblical prayer— the Priestly Blessing from the Book of Numbers (6:24-26).
This ancient blessing, given by God to Moses and Aaron for the Israelites, offers a message of comfort, hope, and assurance of God’s unwavering care.
The prayer reads: “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!”
These words have echoed through millennia, resonating with people of faith as a declaration of God’s goodness and desire to bless His people. Let’s explore the meaning of this blessing and its relevance for the New Year, especially within the Catholic tradition.
The Priestly Blessing reveals God’s heart: He is a God who desires to bless, protect, and bring peace to His people. In the opening line, “The LORD bless you and keep you,” we see God’s promise of care and protection.
His blessings encompass not just material needs but also spiritual well-being, guiding us through life’s challenges.
The second line, “The LORD let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you,” conveys an intimate image of God’s presence. To have God’s face shine upon someone is to be enveloped by His favor and love. It reminds us that even in times of darkness, God’s grace is a constant light, offering us strength and hope.
Finally, “The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace” reminds us of the ultimate gift God desires for His people: shalom. This Hebrew word for peace extends beyond the absence of conflict, encompassing wholeness, harmony, and flourishing in all aspects of life.
The Catholic Church incorporates this blessing into its liturgical life, especially during significant moments such as the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, celebrated on New Year’s Day. This feast invites Catholics to begin the year with the assurance of God’s blessing, as we honor Mary, the Mother of Christ, who brought God’s ultimate blessing—Jesus Himself— into the world.
As we reflect on this prayer, it’s essential to remember that God’s blessings affirm His goodness and love. The evil and suffering we see in the world do not come from God. Instead, they result from human choices, sin, and the brokenness of creation. The Priestly Blessing reassures us that God is always on our side, working to bring good even from the trials we face.
This New Year, as we pray for peace and renewal, the Priestly Blessing reminds us of God’s constant care and His desire to guide us through life’s challenges.
Whether we face uncertainty, loss, or the complexities of a divided world, we can trust in God’s shining face, His abundant grace, and His gift of peace.
May this timeless prayer inspire us all to live as recipients of God’s blessings and as blessings to one another, reflecting His light and love to a world in need.
Father Dawid Kwaitkowski is pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church in Richmond Hill.