February 16, 2017
“G-d Bless You” – It is Cold and Flu Season

“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His face on you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

On this day, February 16, 600, Pope Gregory the Great decrees saying “God bless You” is the correct response to a sneeze (maybe). The origins of the phrase are uncertain and there have been several theories floated out there over the years. There are obvious religious overtones suggestive of a concern that sneezing somehow leaves one vulnerable. Here is what the historychannel.com has to say:

“One of the most compelling explanations for the origin of the phrase is that it derives from a papal decree supposedly issued during the reign of Pope Gregory I. Also known as Gregory the Great, he assumed the papacy in 590, at a time when the bubonic plague was raging through Europe. An early sign that the virus had entered a victim was a sneeze, so on or around 6 February 600 AD, the Pope is attributed with suggesting that God’s blessing be offered to anyone who sneezes in order to protect against falling ill. Another theory of uncertain origin, but perhaps dating to the middle ages, was that the act of sneezing left the body spiritually unguarded, giving an opportunity for the Devil to enter the soul. Uttering “God bless you” upon the occasion of a sneeze would provide the necessary protection from devilish intent, and ensure the soul remained clean.

A similar rationale for the blessing, also of unknown provenance, was that it safeguarded against the Devil returning into the body. Some believed that the act of sneezing actually expelled the Devil from the soul, and that uttering “bless you” would ensure that Devil could not make a swift re-entry. Whatever the true origin of the spiritual command, it has slipped into common usage, and the notion of confronting a sneeze with any other response seems entirely alien. Whether safeguarding the soul, or staving off the plague, it is the only proper way to respond to a sneeze. Even for the most zealous none-believers, saying “bless you” has become as routine as saying “thank you” in response to a door held open, or as natural as exchanging a hello with a neighbor in the street.” (history channel website, “God Bless You” Is Born)

The Lord bless you and keep you. It is an ancient blessing that originated with the Israelites – and continues to bless people today. I find it interesting that ancient people thought a sneeze was an opportune time for the devil to sneak in to snatch up your soul. There are many things that the body does, or has, that are real enigmas – like the appendix, or the ear lobe. We know today that the sneeze is an automatic reaction necessary to expel irritants from the nasal cavity. And though no one believes that the devil is involved in any way, we still say “Bless You” or “G-d Bless You”. And we should continue – because for many people, it may be the only time they hear anyone give them a blessing from G-d – which, yes, is very irritating.

Pastor Dave