I’ve started reading the Old Testament again this year (2023), and I am on the fourth book of it, which is Numbers. Towards the end of the Chapter is where God teaches Aaron and the priests how to bless the people (Israelites):

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’

Numbers 6:22-26 NIV

We hear variants of this in day-to-day language. When someone sneezes, we say, “Bless you”. Growing up in the Philippines, we have friends, relatives, Tito’s and Tita’s that tell us “Bless you”, whenever we meet again or have to separate. During mass, the priest says something similar whenever we have to give peace to people sitting next to us.

I didn’t realise this was first mentioned in Numbers, during Moses’ time. It’s amazing how a teaching that dates all the way back to Moses’ time is still in every day language today. It may not be word-for-word when we say it today, but I like that saying or hearing “Bless you” these days will now remind me of how God actually taught Moses, Aaron and the priests how to give blessings and that it relates to peace.

Today is Monday, a public holiday in Australia (King’s Birthday) and my husband and I are at a nice cafe. He’s studying for his MBA, while I am enjoying a cuppa while reading the bible and will soon be reading a book after writing this post.

Reflecting on today’s reading, I feel grateful for the blessings God has given us. I hope you (who are reading this) feel the same and I would like to extend God’s blessings to you! Happy Monday!