Category: Speaking to the Soul

Ever faithful God,

your prophets foretold the coming of the light.

In your name they promised

that the eyes of the blind would be opened.

“Where there is patience and humility,

there is neither anger nor disturbance.”

(Francis of Assisi, The Admonitions

Savior of the nations, come;

Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home!

Marvel now, O heaven and earth,

That the Lord chose such a birth.

O God our Father, we thank you for your servant John,

who like a burning lamp and faithful to his calling,

announced the advent of our Lord

and people rejoiced for a while in his light,

An example of the Faith and a life of humility,

as a teacher of abstinence

you did inspire and lead your flock

and through your truthfulness of your deeds

were exalted by greatness through your humility

uplifting all and by poverty gaining wealth.

The commandment of the Lord shines clearly, enlightening the eyes. Receive Christ, receive power to see, receive your light, that you may plainly recognize both God and man. More delightful than gold and precious stones, more desirable than honey and the honeycomb is the Word that has enlightened us.

Thou New Jerusalem, arise and shine!

The glory of the Lord on thee hath risen!

Sion, exult! rejoice with joy divine,

Mother of God! Thy Son hath burst His prison!

O great Chief,

light a candle in my heart,

that I may see what is in it,

Since the last report an event unique in the history of the world has occurred, which is fraught with far-reaching consequences to Japan. On the 11th of February last the Emperor, in fulfilment of the promise made several years ago, gave a liberal constitution to the country.

To follow a God who moves and who expects us to move with him is a risky undertaking. It means not playing safe, and it asks for confidence in God’s hidden purposes. In the wilderness at Massah the people of Israel berated the God whom they felt had abandoned them and let them down;