Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Say it with me... Sixty Degrees in February!

Greetings fellow Network of Love Lovers,

The weather today makes my trip to Brazil feel dramatically close to home.

To all my friends in the mid-west: rejoice and bask in the glory of this day of dreamy outdoorsy circumstances.

I told a friend today that I feel as if I am Ferris Bueller and it is my day off---I want to spend the whole day outside!

(And that's why my reflection is unusually concise).

Reflection:

I pray you have the opportunity to enjoy the absolutely blessed weather today! May your day be bright.

Here is the translation of Francis of Assisi's 'Canticle of the Sun.' He was a saint who had a most intimate connection with nature and an impressive understanding of humanity's place in time and space---a real green, eco-friendly saint in that sense.

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong;
no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
of You Most High, he bears your likeness.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,
fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.

We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth,
who sustains us
with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs.

We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,
for love of You bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
by You Most High, they will be crowned.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in their sins!
Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,
and serve You in all humility.


To quote George Harrison, "Here comes the sun!"

Wishing you sunshine and peace.

with love,

your friend bob : )

2 comments:

Michal, OblOSB said...

G-d gave us Francis and G-d gave us our lives. That is great – but what are we doing with them? Today, one of my friends said: Michael, you have to start leaving your life. Well, he is right. He is my brother a free gift that does not need anything except to be received. We can exist without each other but when we are for each other – it’s better.

Thanks for your reflection in this not so worm February.

Michal

Michal, OblOSB said...

He said: Michael, you have to start living your life. Sorry for my mistake!

Michal