Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.

Morning readings

May -To a Young Disciple

This month’s readings are a development of Colambanus‘ Letter to a Young Disciple.

Psalm 41:1 ESV

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him….

Ezekiel 3:8-9 ESV

“Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.”

Matthew 12:17-21 ESV

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Reflections

BE GENTLE TO THE WEAK, FIRM TO THE STUBBORN, STEADFAST TO THE PROUD, HUMBLE TO THE LOWLY

Columbanus in his letter instructs the young disciple how to behave towards different sorts of people or how to behave towards the same people when they are in a different stage or have a peculiar attitude.

With the weak it is appropriate to be gentle, encouraging and strengthening to them, following the example of Christ who would not crush a bruised reed. When someone is stubborn it is important not to give way to them, but remain firm and immovable. They will not then overpower you and get their own way; instead they recognize that you will not be intimidated by their attitude. Your face will be strong enough to meet their gaze fair and square without becoming angry and obstinate in turn. When they back down or become reasonable you will have won their respect. A proud person is one who sets a wrong value on themselves, constructing a fearfully exaggerated self-image as out-an-out success or hardened failure. TheY project a belief, but you are.

Their self-image fluctuates: you remain constant, yet are growing slowly. Their attitude changes to show their “best side”; your focus remains steady. Circumstances may help to humble us, but can equally make us resentful, bitter and proud; it is all our choice how we respond, whether we choose to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God or are resistant.

The Finan Series of Daily Readings – Finan of Lindisfarne (C. 660)
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Canticle:

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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Peanut Gallery: The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) Having completed reading through the Gospel of John, our Scripture readings and reflections will be taken from the Finan Daily Readings (Celtic Daily Prayer). We will continue with the Finan readings until Pentecost Sunday, June 8th.

On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.

Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.