Consolation

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 71: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Luke 10:21-24

Today’s Saints

We celebrate the Holy Mysteries today in the company of Saint Barbara, virgin and martyr enlightened by the brightness of the Three Divine Persons — which is why she is represented holding a tower pierced by three windows, and of Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Rightness of Making and Venerating Sacred Images. Today’s two saints and, indeed, all the saints, are witnesses to the hope that does not disappoint.

Familiar With the Saints and With Their Stories

Attentive readers of Spe Salvi, the Holy Father’s Encyclical on hope, are struck by the importance he gives to the witness of the saints. This is characteristic of Catholic theology. It is a theology that springs out of the experience of God and stimulates one to seek His Face. It is a theology springing out of holiness and bearing the fruits of holiness. Consider just this: the Holy Father presents the life experience of Sudanese Saint Josephine Bakhita, a former slave, as an authoritative illustration of what hope means. Pope Benedict XVI is one of the great theological minds of our age, precisely because he is familiar with the saints, with their stories, and with their experience.

The Collect

Today’s Collect comes from the rotulus or scroll of Ravenna and, according to some scholars, could date from as early as the fifth century. It too bears witness to the experience of the saints of every age:

Lord God,
be gracious to our supplications
and in tribulation grant us, we pray,
the help of your strong and tender love;
that being consoled by the presence of your Son who is to come,
we may be untainted, even now, by the contagion of our old ways.

Supplication

The prayer makes two requests of God. The first is, “be gracious to our supplications and in tribulation, grant us we pray the help of your pietas, your strong and tender love.” The tone of the prayer is humble and full of confidence. We ask God to be gracious to our supplications. Supplication comes from the Latin verb supplico, meaning to kneel down or to bend low. We approach God humbly, making ourselves close to the dust of the earth from which we were created (cf. Gen 2:7).

Pietatis Auxilium

The first request is for the help of God’s pietas, his strong, faithful, fatherly devotedness, in our tribulation. Tribulation means affliction, oppression, distress, or trouble. No one of us is entirely free from tribulation. Each of us has his troubles or, as Julien Green says, “each man has his night.” Today’s Collect teaches us that in the midst of trouble we can and must kneel in the dust, beseeching God to grant us his pietatis auxilium, the help of his fatherly love.

The Contagion of Sin

The second request is related to the first: “that being consoled by the presence of your Son who is to come, we may be untainted, even now, by the contagion of our old ways.” We ask that we may be untainted — the Latin says not polluted — by the contagion of old patterns of sin. The notion of defilement by contagion is found in the Old Testament. The nineteenth chapter of the Book of Numbers describes the situations which render a man unclean, that is, polluted or defiled. Such a man has to be purified with water sprinkled from a hyssop (cf. Num 19:18).

The Great Pollutant

Every sin of ours leaves in the soul a trace of defilement. Sin is the great unseen pollutant. The tradition of the Church has always viewed sin as a kind of sickness of the soul. Today’s Collect says that sin leaves behind a kind of moral contagion. Our spiritual immune systems are compromised by past patterns of sin. It is easy for us to be reinfected by sin, by the contagion of what is old. This refers not only to the condition of poor old Adam after the Fall; it also refers to the “old man” in each of us, to the “old man” who shows his deformed face in every actual sin of ours. Actual sins, that is, our own personal sins committed after Baptism, weaken the effects of the Redemption in us.

Christ the Consoler

This is why we pray today that, “consoled by the presence of your Son who is to come, we may be untainted, even now, by the contagion of our old ways.” The Collect speaks of Christ’s consoling presence. Christ comes to console us in our weakness.

In the Gospel of Saint John, Jesus says, “I will pray the Father, and will give you another Consoler, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him” (Jn 14:15). Christ is the first Consoler sent by the Father; by His priestly intercession he obtains for us another Consoler, the Holy Spirit. The consoling mission of Christ is completed, not abrogated, by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Christ remains for all eternity the Consoler, the Comforter, and the Blessed Virgin Mary is the Consolatrix Afflictorum, the Consoler of the Afflicted.

The Consoling Angel

A certain Jansenistic perspective, especially prevalent in some religious Orders, would have us believe that it is somehow wrong to pray for consolation. Most of us have somehow subscribed to the idea, albeit unconsciously, that we ought not to pray for comfort. “Consolation is for the weak,” is the thinking of many of us. It is not virile. We forget that the Father sent a consoling angel to Christ in the hour of his agony in Gethsemani (cf. Lk 22:43).

Consolation

Saint Paul presents the Father himself as consoling us through Christ: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor 1:3-4). Saint Thomas Aquinas, explaining this passage says, Qui non est consolatus, nescit consolare, “He who has not been consoled, does not know how to console.” This is why today the Church makes us ask for the consolation of the presence of Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI addresses the grace of consolation in his Encyclical. He too presents God in Christ as one who consoles us. Con-solare: to be with another in his solitude. Christ came into the world, and remains present in the Sacrament of His Love until the end of time, in order to be with us in all our solitudes.

He Who Is to Come

The only little phrase in the Collect that gives it an Advent colour is: “the presence of your Son who is to come.” He who will come as Judge at the end of time, comes to us now in Word and in Sacrament as Consoler. Christ’s Advent in glory is prepared by his Advent in mystery, by his Eucharistic Advent.

Changed by Hope

In coming to us in the mysteries of his Body and Blood, Christ consoles us. He strengthens every soul weakened by recurrent sin, or diminished by the tribulations of physical, emotional, or spiritual tribulation. In place of the contagion of our former ways, he gives the grace to walk in newness of life. The prose of the Advent chant Rorate expresses the reality of every Eucharist: Consolamini, consolamini, popule meus, “Be ye comforted, be ye comforted, O my people” (Is 40:1). Ask today to be consoled by the presence of Him who comes. And prepare yourself to be changed by hope, as were all the saints without exception.

Posted by Father Mark on December 4, 2007 10:32 PM | Permalink

The Legend of Saint Barbara

Regnum Christi

Where Wisdom Lies
December 4, 2007

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
Father Edward McIlmail, LC

Luke 10:21-24
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Turning to the disciples in private he said, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

Introductory Prayer: I am turning to you, Lord, as the true source of guidance in my life. I believe that you are anxious to teach me your ways, which are so foreign to the ways of the world. I know that you love me and will never mislead me. Let this prayer refresh my hope for heaven.

Petition: Let me know, Lord, how I can better prepare my heart for Christmas.

1. The Not-So-Wise Children have a knack for seeing things in all simplicity. They don’t rationalize. They simply see and respond. Like the youngster in the Hans Christian Andersen tale who blurted out that the emperor has no clothes, children speak the truth even when adults sometimes look the other way. As we get older, we might start to excuse things that we once recognized as bad. Racy television shows are now "mature entertainment." Overindulgence in food and drink and material goods is "living the good life." Indifference toward abortion becomes "tolerance." Are there evils that I’ve learned to be comfortable with?

2. Father-Son Secrets Christ came into the world, in part, to reveal something of the inner life of the Holy Trinity. The notion of three Persons in one God would have never occurred to people of the Old Testament, or even to philosophers. The Trinity is simply beyond our human comprehension. Yet, we have a glimpse of it in the person of Jesus Christ. "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). Christ’s qualities — his kindness, serenity, strength, nobility — give us some sense of the God to whom we pray. Do I approach prayer as a heart-to-heart conversation with the One who loves perfectly?

3. Sight for Sore Eyes Jesus tells his disciples how blessed they are to be witnesses to the Messiah. To hear the words of the Redeemer of mankind, to see his deeds — this was the dream of generations of the Old Testament faithful. Even today, many don’t know about Christ, or else don’t know about the real Christ. They embrace his talk of mercy and love, but ignore his demands for conversion of heart and justice for the poor. Learning about the complete Christ takes time. It demands prayer, Scripture reading, and works of charity. The center of our faith is a Person. How much do I really know about this Person? How much more should I be learning about him?

Conversation with Christ: Lord, I should be more grateful for the gift of my faith, and for what you have revealed of yourself. So many people live in darkness and doubt. Help me to appreciate the greatness of knowing you and to find ways of imitating you more closely.

Resolution: I will pray a decade of the rosary or make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in thanks for my faith.

Homily of the Day

Homily of the Day

Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph. D.

Other Articles by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph. D.
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If You Want Peace, Work for Justice

December 4, 2007

Is 11:1-10 / Lk 10:21-24

It’s an astonishing fact that in the 2000 years since the birth of Christ there has been only a handful of years in which there was no war. We yearn for peace, we pray for peace, but we rarely get it. And that is not what God wants for us. In today’s reading from Isaiah, we hear God’s vision of the world. “The wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.”

It sounds wonderful. Why doesn’t it happen? The answer for each of us can be found in our mirrors. We haven’t learned the art and the habit of being peacemakers, makers and builders of peace. Many of us are quite good at ducking or running away from conflict. But that isn’t building peace. On the contrary, running away generally leaves important issues unresolved, unhealed, and waiting to rise again in a more virulent form. So what are we to do?

Pope Paul VI said it perfectly and so very simply, “If you want peace, work for justice.” That’s what it means to be a peacemaker at every level of life. It’s a noble work, worthy of us all. And it’s a work that needs to begin now.

A hymn based on the First Reading. The link at the tune name is a lovely pan flute folk rendention of the melody.

“Behold, a Branch is Growing”
by Unknown, c. 1500
Translated by Harriet R. Spaeth, 1845-1925; stanzas 1-4
Translated by John C. Mattes, 1876-1948; stanza 5

1. Behold a branch is growing
As of loveliest form and grace,
As prophets sung, foreknowing;
It springs from Jesse’s race
And bears one little Flower
In midst of coldest winter,
At deepest midnight hour.

2. Isaiah hath foretold It
In words of promise sure,
And Mary’ s arms enfold It,
A virgin meek and pure.
Through God’s eternal will
This Child to her is given
At midnight calm and still.

3. The shepherds heard the story,
Proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of Glory,
Was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped
And in the manger found him,
As angel heralds said.

4. This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True Man, yet very God;
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load.

5. 0 Savior, Child of Mary,
Who felt our human woe;
Savior, King of Glory.
Who dost our weakness know,
Bring us at length, we pray.
To the bright courts of heaven
And to the endless day.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #645
Text: Is. 11:1-2
Author: Unknown, c. 1500
Translated by: Harriet R. Spaeth, 1875; stanzas 1-4
Translated by: John C. Mattes,1914; stanza 5
Titled: “Es ist ein’ Ros’ entsprungen”
Tune: “Es ist ein’ Ros’”
1st Published in: _Alte geistliche Kirchengesaeng_
Town: Cologne, 1599

Vespers -- Evening Prayer

Vespers (Evening Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 19 (20)
Prayer for victory
May the Lord hear your prayer in the day of tribulation, may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from his holy place; from Sion, may he extend his protection. May he remember every one of your sacrifices and find merit in your burnt-offerings. May he deal with you as your heart desires and bring all your plans to fulfilment. We will rejoice in your saving help, we will raise our banners in the name of God; may the Lord grant all your prayers. Now I know that the Lord keeps his anointed one safe: in his sanctuary in heaven he hears his prayer, and lends the support of his strong right hand. Some put their faith in chariots and some in horses, but we invoked the name of the Lord our God. They stumbled and fell, but we rose and we stand upright. Lord, keep the king safe, and hear our prayer whenever we call upon you. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 19 (20)

Prayer for victory

May the Lord hear your prayer in the day of tribulation, may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from his holy place; from Sion, may he extend his protection.

May he remember every one of your sacrifices and find merit in your burnt-offerings.
May he deal with you as your heart desires and bring all your plans to fulfilment.

We will rejoice in your saving help, we will raise our banners in the name of God; may the Lord grant all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord keeps his anointed one safe: in his sanctuary in heaven he hears his prayer, and lends the support of his strong right hand.

Some put their faith in chariots and some in horses, but we invoked the name of the Lord our God.
They stumbled and fell, but we rose and we stand upright.

Lord, keep the king safe, and hear our prayer whenever we call upon you.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Psalm 20 (21)
Thanksgiving for victory
Lord, the king will rejoice in your strength, he will triumph in your saving power. You have granted him his heart’s desire, you have not denied the wish that he spoke. For you showered him with blessings even before he asked for them. You have placed a crown of purest gold upon his head. He asked you for life, and you granted it to him, length of days for ever and for ever. Great is his glory through your help: you cover him with splendour and majesty. You lay a blessing upon him that will last for ever, you make him rejoice in joy before you. For the king hopes in the Lord, and through the kindness of the Most High he will not be shaken. Stand high above us, Lord, in your power; and we will sing and celebrate your might. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Psalm 20 (21)

Thanksgiving for victory

Lord, the king will rejoice in your strength, he will triumph in your saving power.
You have granted him his heart’s desire, you have not denied the wish that he spoke.
For you showered him with blessings even before he asked for them. You have placed a crown of purest gold upon his head.
He asked you for life, and you granted it to him, length of days for ever and for ever.

Great is his glory through your help: you cover him with splendour and majesty.
You lay a blessing upon him that will last for ever, you make him rejoice in joy before you.
For the king hopes in the Lord, and through the kindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.

Stand high above us, Lord, in your power; and we will sing and celebrate your might.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Canticle	Apocalypse 4,5
The song of the redeemed
You are worthy, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for you made all things, and it is by your will that they existed and were created. You are worthy, Lord, to receive the book and open its seals, for you were killed, and with your blood you have ransomed people from every tribe and language and people and nation, and made them rulers and priests for God; and they will rule over the earth. The Lamb is worthy, who was killed, to receive power and riches and wisdom, strength and honour, glory and blessing. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Canticle

Apocalypse 4,5

The song of the redeemed

You are worthy, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power;
for you made all things, and it is by your will that they existed and were created.

You are worthy, Lord, to receive the book and open its seals,
for you were killed, and with your blood you have ransomed people from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and made them rulers and priests for God; and they will rule over the earth.

The Lamb is worthy, who was killed, to receive power and riches and wisdom, strength and honour, glory and blessing.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Short reading	(1 Corinthians 1:7-9) ©
We are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed; and he will keep you steady and without blame until the last day, the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, because God by calling you has joined you to his Son, Jesus Christ; and God is faithful.

Canticle	Magnificat
My soul rejoices in the Lord
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favour – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me. His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Canticle

Magnificat

My soul rejoices in the Lord

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.
For he has shown me such favour –
me, his lowly handmaiden.
Now all generations will call me blessed,
because the mighty one has done great things for me.
His name is holy,
his mercy lasts for generation after generation
for those who revere him.

He has put forth his strength:
he has scattered the proud and conceited,
torn princes from their thrones;
but lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Prayers and Intercessions

?

The eternal Word cloaked himself in flesh and showed us a new and living path to the temple of heaven. Humbly we ask him: - Come, Lord, and save us.
God, in you we move, we live, we are:: come to show us that we are your people.
You are close to each one of us:: come swiftly and show yourself to all who seek you.
Father of the poor, consoler of the afflicted,: give freedom to captives and joy to those who mourn.
You hate death and love life:: give freedom from eternal death to all who have died, and to us also.

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those that trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Lord God, be pleased to accept our supplications.
Give us your strength and support in our troubles
so that when your Son arrives and brings us the consolation of his presence,
we may bear no stain of our former selves.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

May the Lord bless us and keep us from all harm; and may he lead us to eternal life.

A M E N

The Word Among Us

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Meditation
Isaiah 11:1-10

What a glorious vision Isaiah gives us! Wouldn’t you love to live in a world where there is “no harm or ruin,” a world that is “filled with the knowledge of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:9)? We hear these words and wonder whether they aren’t just the dreams of some idealistic prophet from ancient Israel. After all, Jesus came two thousand years ago, and the world still hasn’t been transformed into the place of peace and perfection Isaiah promised. Why not?

Part of the answer lies in the fact that even though Jesus has come and redeemed us, we all continue to have the double-edged gift of free will. Couple that with a fallen human nature that is still vulnerable to temptation, and you end up with a world of light and darkness, of hope and fear, of promise and frustration.

But all is not lost. Jesus told his disciples that they were blessed because of what they were privileged to see and hear. He even rejoiced that they had received divine revelation about the mysteries of the kingdom of God (Luke 10:21-24). These simple Jewish tradesmen—these “childlike” followers—were coming to understand what mighty kings and holy prophets longed for. And it was all coming because of the Holy Spirit!

How does this answer our question about Isaiah’s prophecy? It tells us that those of us who try to remain humble and childlike really can see this promised kingdom of God right here in the world around us. It tells us that any of us who ask for divine revelation can be filled with the hope of a new kingdom, simply because Jesus is opening our eyes to see his presence in the midst of a darkened world.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus has given us the Spirit of counsel, wisdom, and understanding. We can begin to grasp God’s plan for creation if we take the time to ask and seek. We simply need to put in a little time each day and learn how to open our hearts to his wisdom. We can see and experience the kingdom of God today, because God has given us new eyes to see and new ears to hear!

“Jesus, transform me through your holy word. I give you my heart, my mind, my ears, and my eyes. I will try my best to obey you today, so that I can receive your kingdom and know its joys.”

Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17; Luke 10:21-24

One Bread, One Body

<< Tuesday, December 4, 2007 >>

St. John Damascene

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm 72

Luke 10:21-24

View Readings

FOR ADULTS

"I tell you, many prophets and kings wished to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." —Luke 10:24

You've heard the saying: "Christmas is for kids." That's not true. Christmas is primarily for adults. Kids shouldn't be out in the cold, witnessing a woman's labor and her Baby's delivery in a barn. Kids should be warm, tucked into bed, secure, dreaming sweet dreams, not having to face such harsh realities.

However, Christmas is for adults who have the simple faith of kids. Christmas is "hidden from the learned and the clever" but "revealed to the merest children" (Lk 10:21). Only "the merest children" would believe in the virgin birth (see Mt 1:23). Christmas is for those who are poor in the eyes of the world but rich in faith (Jas 2:5). It is for those considered absurd and foolish by worldly standards (1 Cor 1:27). Christmas is for anyone who will depend not on their own intelligence but trust in the Lord with all their heart (Prv 3:5).

Prayer: Father, may I not put myself in a position where I am hiding from a true Christmas.

Promise: "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him: a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord." —Is 11:2

Praise: St. John Damascene had his right hand cut off by the emperor, but had it restored by the Blessed Mother.

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 142 (143)
A prayer in time of trouble
Lord, I trust you: do not hide your face from me.
Lord, listen to my prayer: in your faithfulness turn your ear to my pleading; in your justice, hear me. Do not judge your servant: nothing that lives can justify itself before you. The enemy has hounded my spirit, he has crushed my life to the ground, he has shut me in darkness, like the dead of long ago. So my spirit trembles within me, my heart turns to stone. I remind myself of the days of old, I reflect on all your works, I meditate once more on the work of your hands. I stretch out my arms to you, I stretch out my soul, like a land without water. Come quickly and hear me, O Lord, for my spirit is weakening. Do not hide your face from me, do not let me be like the dead, who go down to the underworld. Show me your mercy at daybreak, because of my trust in you. Tell me the way I should follow, for I lift up my soul towards you. Rescue me from my enemies: Lord, I flee to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good spirit will lead me to the land of justice; for your name’s sake, Lord, you will give me life. In your righteousness you will lead my soul away from all tribulation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord, I trust you: do not hide your face from me.

Reading	1 Peter 5:8-9
Be calm and keep watch. The Devil, your enemy, is circling you like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, strong in faith.

Short Responsory	?
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle	Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness; the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Prayer
Let us pray. Of your kindness, Lord, dispel the darkness of this night, so that we your servants may go to sleep in peace and wake to the light of the new day, rejoicing in your name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.