O Lord God, our rock and our salvation, you have brought us to the beginning of our lives, and to the beginning of this day. We give you thanks for our companions along the way who have departed this life.  Help us to follow in their steps. Keep us under your protection this day, give […]

Life is short and we have not too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark way with us. Oh, be swift to live! Make haste to be kind. Henri-Frederic Amiel

Lord God, Creator of light, at the rising of your sun each morning, let the greatest of all lights – your love – rise, like the sun, within my heart.

Your mercy is on those who fear you throughout all generations You have shown strength with your arm. You have scattered the proud and their hearts and fantasies. You have put down the mighty from their seat And have lifted up the powerless.

You crown the year with your goodness, abundance flows in your steps. In the pastures of the wilderness it flows. The hills are filled with joy, the meadows covered with floods. The valleys are decked with wheat.

Joseph of dreams, guard well the poor.Be a strong bar upon the door.Be a broad window all day longto let in sun and wild bird song.Set a new loaf upon the boardto fill the poor man’s scanty hoard.With strength and patience bless the livesof all poor men and poor men’s wives.Listen to poor men’s children

Loving God, let the prayers of Cyril of Jerusalem,whose feast is today,lead us to to know your Son betterand to have eternal life in all its fullness.  Amen