The text of the priestly blessing is outlined in this week’s Parsha, and it begins: יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֹ֖ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ May the Lord Bless You and Guard Over You.
Not only do we need G-d’s blessing, but we also acknowledge that we need to be guarded by Divine Providence to ensure the blessing remains good.
It is not enough to receive bounty and to be the recipient of abundance: we must make sure that we use our blessings for a sacred and positive purpose.
For example, one may be blessed with an abundance of wealth, with magnificent talent, great intellectual ability, or incredible strength, but how do we make sure the blessings are safeguarded from misuse? It is not enough to be blessed, we must also be kept safe from the blessing… to protect against potential misuse or destruction.
We must make sure that we use our blessings for a sacred and positive purpose.
– Rabbi Shmulik Yeshayahu
For what purpose do we use our wealth, talent, intellect, or strength? Are we aware and grateful for our blessings, and do we direct them in a positive, constructive manner?
All blessings can be abused, misdirected, or ignored…resulting in anguish, destruction, or waste.
May we all cherish the blessings given to us, along with the Divine Providence protecting the blessings, making sure to use them to their full, positive potential and a higher purpose.
