The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Michael Orange
27 minutes ago
2 min read

There are moments in Scripture that speak so gently, yet so powerfully, that they seem to rest right on the heart. The blessing from the Book of Numbers — “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” — is one of those sacred moments. It is God’s promise spoken over His people then, and still whispered over each of us today.

When we hear “The Lord bless you and keep you,” we are reminded that God’s blessing is not something to chase after, but something already given. He blesses us not because we have earned it, but because we are His. To be “kept” by the Lord means to be held close, protected, and sustained — even in the moments when we feel weakest or most uncertain. His keeping hand is steady, even when ours tremble.

Then we hear, “The Lord make His face shine upon you.” In Scripture, the face of God represents His loving presence. When God’s face shines upon us, He is smiling. Think about that for a moment — God, the Creator of the universe, looks at you with joy. Too often, we imagine God as distant or disappointed. But this blessing reveals the truth of His heart: He delights in you, and His light shines not to expose your faults, but to warm you with mercy and hope.

“And be gracious to you.” Grace is the very breath of God’s love. It’s what restores us, forgives us, and gives us the strength to begin again. When we allow grace to flow through us, we begin to see the world — and each other — with new eyes.

Finally, “The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the deep calm that comes from knowing we belong to God. It’s the quiet assurance that no matter what happens, we rest in His care. This peace cannot be found in possessions or success — it lives in the heart that trusts in God’s love.

Every time we gather at Mass, we are blessed and sent forth in that same spirit — to carry God’s light and peace into the world. May we not only receive the Lord’s blessing but become a living blessing to others: a reflection of His light, His mercy, and His peace.