A song for 2023
In this age of environmental degradation and climate change, the canticle is a sanctifying way to welcome the New Year.
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Daily TribuneIn this age of environmental degradation and climate change, the canticle is a sanctifying way to welcome the New Year.
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In the last few hours of 2022, just before the traditional merrymaking to ring in 2023, it might be good for the soul to "listen" to the thoughtful words of "The Canticle of the Sun," a song written by Saint Francis of Assisi.
The song was said to have been composed in late 1224 while recovering from an illness in San Damiano, Italy — in a small cottage built for him by Saint Clare and other women of the Order of Poor Ladies.
The lyrics could well be the lines of an extraordinary prayer, in which the elements, as well as the sun and the moon, are addressed as a brother or a sister — underlining a sense of love and respect for nature.
It's summed up as a declaration of the unity of creation. In this age of environmental degradation and climate change, the canticle is a sanctifying way to welcome the New Year:
"Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
"Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
"Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
"Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
"Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
"Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
"Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
"Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial.
"Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
"Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.
"Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility."
But of course, it would take more than a song or a prayer to make others more caring of each other and the earth. Then again, it's a good start.
