Cantica Gaudia

Season of Easter: Saturday Compline

Confession:  Like Mary at the empty tomb,
we fail to grasp the wonder of your presence.
Lord, have mercy.

Like the disciples behind locked doors,
we are afraid to be seen as your followers.
Christ, have mercy.

Like Thomas in the upper room,
we are slow to believe.
Lord, have mercy.

Canticle: Blessed are the poor in spirit
For the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the sorrowful
For they shall find consolation.
Blessed are those of a gentle spirit
For they shall have the earth for their possession.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst to see right prevail
For they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are those who show mercy
For mercy shall be shown to them.
Blessed are those whose hearts are pure
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers
For they shall be called God’s children.
Blessed are those who have suffered persecution for the cause of right
For the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Reading: What is the root of all these words? One thing: love. But a love so deep and sweet, it needed to express itself with scents, sounds, colors, that never before existed.

The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
And deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
Now and for ever.  Amen.

Prayer: God of unconditional love, long before we were ready you ran to meet us and embraced us; when we did not deserve it, you lavished your love upon us. Teach us how to receive your embrace and extend it, with compassion and generosity, to the others we find it hard to forgive.

Going Forth: May the Wisdom of God lead us in her marvelous way, be our shelter by day and a blaze of stars at night. May she stir up our inmost being always to seek her, and the Wisdom, Love, and Grace of God be upon us and remain with us always. Amen.