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I came across this a short while ago and have veered in the short time I have known it from loving it to hating it and back again. Parts of it resound and echo deep within me, parts of it grate and rub me up the wrong way. Yesterday, a day without the sun we had come accustomed to – although the promised rain didn’t appear until this morning – reminded of this canticle as I drove back from the fellowship lunch with the hood down on ‘Baby’ and since then it has been bouncing round my head again with mixed feelings.
Most high, all-powerful, all good, Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honour and all blessing.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through all that you have made, and first my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and light you give to us through him. How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendour! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
All praise be yours my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and fair and stormy, all the weather’s moods, by which you cherish all that you have made.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Water, so useful, lowly, precious and pure.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten up the night. How beautiful is he, how gay! Full of power and strength.
All praise be yours my Lord, through Sister Earth, our mother who feeds us in her sovereignty and produces various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through those who grant pardon. For love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death, from whose embrace no mortal can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your will! The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks, and serve him with great humility.St Francis of Assisi
