Morning Meditation

 

Jesus lived his life outside.  He preached from the boat and taught on a mountain.  As he walked around, he saw lilies of the field as a sermon illustration.  He saw the sacred within all he encountered. Saint Francis picked up on this and continued to show us how Creation testifies to God’s holy ways.  Today, as we prepare for Earth Day on Friday, here is St. Francis’ Canticle of Creation.  Please read slowly, prayerfully, and aloud, letting these words awake your sacred imagination of how we are caught in a web of life with Brother Sun and Sister Moon, with all of life:

 

The Canticle of Creation (by Saint Francis of Assisi)

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God,
to you belong praise, glory,
honor and all blessing.
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation
and especially for our Brother Sun,
who brings us the day and the light;
he is strong and shines magnificently.
O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon,
and for the stars
which you have set shining and lovely
in the heavens.
Be praised, my Lord,
for our Brothers Wind and Air
and every kind of weather
by which you, Lord,
uphold life in all your creatures.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful to us,
and humble and precious and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom you give us light in the darkness:
he is bright and lively and strong.
Be praised, my Lord,
for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us,
bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds
and flowers of many colors.
Be praised, my Lord,
for those who forgive for love of you;
and for those
who bear sickness and weakness
in peace and patience
- you will grant them a crown.
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death,
whom we must all face.
I praise and bless you, Lord,
and I give thanks to you,
and I will serve you in all humility.