O Key of David . . . .

 

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol iustitiae: 
veni, et illumina sedentes 
in tenebris et umbra mortis.

O dawn of the east, brightness of light eternal, and sun of justice: 
come, and enlighten those
who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Meditation: 
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. 

The Agnus Dei is the final prayer of the Mass before communion. Immediately afterwards we acknowledge our unworthiness and ask that the Lord heal us despite that unworthiness. In the Agnus Dei we ask that he not only have mercy on us but that he grant us peace, peace in our world and peace within our own selves.  
Prayer:  

Nothing is more practical than
finding God, that is, falling in love
in a quite absolute, final way. What
you are in love with, what seizes
your imagination, will affect every-
thing. It will decide what will get
you out of bed in the morning, what
you will do with your evenings, how
you will spend your weekends, what
you read, who you know, what
breaks your heart, and what amazes
you with joy and gratitude. Fall in
love. Stay in love. And it will 
decide everything.

Pedro Arrupe, SJ

Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace)  

 

Bach's B minor Mass is one of the most perfect pieces of music ever written.  The Dona

Nobis Pacem of the Agnus Dei brings it to an ethereal end.

 

Close your eyes and allow the music to swirl around you no matter if you are seeking peace for yourself, for another, or the world. That is the peace that Christ promises. That is the peace He brings. That is God's gift to us, if we are willing to accept it. 
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffrsc3wdBt4

 

The photo is of sunrise from sv. Višarje in the Julian Alps of Italy, just across the border from Slovenia and Austria.

Fr. Jack, SJ, MD