iCrucified

[28NOV2011] Advent – Week 1 Readings, Reflection, & Prayer

(Readings from the Daily Office; The Book of Common Prayer)

• Psalms - 1, 2, 3  ♦ 4, 7
• Readings - Amos 2:6-16 ♦ 2 Peter 1:1-11
• Gospel -  Matthew 21:1-11

Conditor Alme Siderum

(Hymn from Benedictine Daily Prayer: A Short Breviary)

Creator of the stars of night

Your people’s everlasting light,

Jesus, Redeemer, save us all

And hear your servants when they call.

The time was near, as prophets told,

When Christ the Savior, as a Spouse

From bridal chamber, would come forth

From Virgin’s womb, the world to rouse.

The earth, the seas, the skies are yours,

And all are subject to your will;

Yet we alone have oft rebelled,

From very first have sought to kill.

All glory to the Father be

And to the Son eternally,

To Holy Spirit equally,

For now and all eternity. Amen

“Tell the people… ‘Look, your King is coming to you…’” “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!” …The entire city was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. (Matthew 21:5, 9-10)

In that day the mountains shall drop down sweetness, and the hill shall flow with milk and honey, alleluia.

Look! The Lord is coming! All his saints are with him, and brilliant light envelops all, alleluia.

Come, Lord, do not delay. Forgive the sins of your people Israel.

We must live temperately and justly as we await our blessed hope, the advent of the Lord.

Henri Nouwen quotes Simone Weil; “Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.” Without patience our expectation degenerates into wishful thinking. Patience comes from the word “patior” which means “to suffer.” …What seems a hindrance becomes a way; what seems an obstacle becomes a door; what seems a misfit becomes the cornerstone.  -Henri Nouwen, Out of Solitude

Evening Prayer

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Shield Your joyous ones, and all for Your love’s sake. God is our refuge and our strength, a help always present in times of distress. We await what God has promised: New heavens and a new earth where the justice of God will make a home. We await as we pray as Jesus taught us: Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed by thy Name. May thy kingdom come and thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

May God give us his blessing, and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him. Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.