Bless the beasts and the children

The Feast of Francis of Assisi,
d. 1226

It is ironic for me that on this feast of St. Francis who was devoted to "Lady Poverty" I am at an Economic Development Day with "Leadership Camden" which is a program of the Chamber of Commerce.

Here I share a hymn written by Francis, which is in The Hymnal 1982 numbered 406 and 407. It is commonly known as "Canticle of the Sun."

Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
to thee be ceaseless praise outpoured,
and blessing without measure.
From thee alone all creatures came;
no one is worthy thee to name.

My Lord be praised by brother sun
who through the skies his course doth run,
and shines in brilliant splendor:
with brightness he doth fill the day,
and signifies thy boundless sway.

My Lord be praised by sister moon
and all the stars, that with her soon
will point the glittering heavens.
Let wind and air and cloud and calm
and weathers all, repeat the psalm.

By sister water be thou blessed,
most humble, useful, precious, chaste;
be praised by brother fire;
jocund is he, robust and bright,
an strong to lighten all the night.

By mother earth my Lord be praised;
governed by thee she had upraised
what for our life is needful.
Sustained by thee, through every hour,
she bringeth forth fruit, and herb, and flower.

My Lord be praised by those who prove
in free forgivingness their love,
nor shrink from tribulation.
Happy, who peaceably endure;
with thee, Lord, their reward is sure.

For death our sister, praised be,
from whom no one alive can flee.
Woe to the unprepared!
But blessed be they who do thy will
and follow thy commandments still.

Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
to thee be ceaseless praise outpoured,
and blessing without measure.
Let creatures all give thanks to thee,
and serve in great humility.

In peace,
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
Photo: St. Francis in the garden at Honey Creek - LM+