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 91:4b-5 ESV

His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day….

Proverbs 15:1 ESV

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 ESV

Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Reflections

BE VIGILANT IN THE CAUSE OF TRUTH, CAUTIOUS IN TIME OF STRIFE

In the event of a dispute it is especially important to establish what is the truth, but great discretion and wisdom is needed. Not all of us are anointed with wisdom, as obviously Solomon was when he threatened to slice a baby in two in order to identify the child’s mother (I Kings 3:16-28).

Brigid was presented with a case of similar difficulty, but God intervened to assist her.

At an assembly of Irishmen held in Teltown a woman brought with her a child who she claimed had been fathered by Bishop Bron. Bron, one of Patrick’s community, denied the child was his. Brigid asked the woman how she had conceived and charged her not to speak falsehoods. The woman accused Bron yet again. Then tumour and swelling filled her tongue so she was unable to speak. Brigid made the sign of the cross over the child’s mouth, and asked: “Who is your father?” The infant answered: “A wretched, miserable man on the outskirts of this assembly, that is my father.” So Bishop Bron’s good name was saved.

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.