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St. Rose of Lima (1586-1671)
Invitation to Worship
The God of Love and virgin’s crown: Come, let us adore!
We make the Sign of the Cross over our lips as we begin.
O Holy ONE + open my lips,
~And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Let all creation praise the greatness of God!
Let the universe extol the glory of Adonai!
Morning Hymn
Now from the heavens descending is seen a glorious light,
the bride of Christ in splendor, arrayed in purest white.
She is the holy city, whose radiance is the grace
of all the saints in glory, from every time and place.
This is the hour of gladness for bridegroom and for bride.
The Lamb’s great feast is ready, his bride is at his side.
How blest are those invited to share his wedding feast:
the least become the greatest, the greatest are the least.
The One enthroned in heaven takes up a dwelling place
among this chosen people, who see God face to face.
No sound is heard of weeping, for pain and sorrow cease,
and sin shall reign no longer, but love and joy and peace.
See how a new creation is brought at last to birth,
a new and glorious heaven, a new and glorious earth.
Death’s power for ever broken, its empire swept away,
the promised dawn of glory begins its endless day.
PSALMODY
Antiphon
At midnight the cry was heard:
“Behold, the bridegroom comes, go to meet him.” Alleluia!
Psalm 22/23
You, O LOVE, are my shepherd,
There is nothing more I need.
Fresh and green are the pastures,
Where you take me to rest;
Leading me near calming waters
You renew my drooping spirit.
You guide me in the path of goodness,
Always true to your Loving-kindness.
If I walk in the valley of death’s darkness
No evil would I fear
You are there with your shepherd’s staff
To strengthen, guide and give comfort.
You spread a feast before me
In the presence of all that I fear,
You soothe my head with oil;
My cup is more than full.
Your goodness and love will tend me
All the days of my life.
I will dwell in the Heart of your Love
For ever and ever.
Glory to the ONE and to the WORD
and to the BREATH of Love!
As always before, so now and evermore. Amen
At midnight the cry was heard:
“Behold, the bridegroom comes, go to meet him.” Alleluia!
READING 1 Corinthians 10:17-11:2
Brothers and sisters: “Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord.” For it is not the man who commends himself that is accepted, but the man whom the Lord commends.
I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to Christ to present you as a pure bride to her one husband.
Silent Prayer
Responsory
R. To shame the wise, God chose what the world considers foolish. God chose those who were nothing at all to humble those who were everything * so that no one might boast in God’s presence. V. Though high and exalted, Adonai cares for the lowly, but looks down on the haughty from afar. * so that no one might boast in God’s presence. V. Glory to the Abba and the Word, and the Breath of Love.
Canticle of Zachary– Luke 1:68-79
Antiphon
Those who were prepared went into the wedding, Alleluia!
Blessed + be Adonai, the God of Israel,
Who visits this people to set us free
Raising for us a sign of salvation
In the house and family of David.
God promised throughout past ages
In words of holy prophets
To save us from our enemies,
And from the control of our oppressors.
Adonai favored our ancestors
And remembered the sacred covenant.
The pledge to Abraham and Sarah
Is now renewed for us;
That freed from the grip of our foes
We might worship without fear
And be both just and holy
For the rest of our days.
And you, child, called “prophet of the Most High,”
Will go ahead to prepare the way,
By teaching this people of salvation
Through forgiveness of their sins.
For the loving compassion of the Holy One
As the Rising Sun will shine upon us
To illumine the darkness and dispel death’s shadow
To guide our feet on the way of peace.
Glory to the ONE and to the WORD
and to the BREATH of Love!
As always before,
so now and evermore. Amen.
Those who were prepared went into the wedding, Alleluia!
Intercessory Prayer
You called St. Rose to sell her fine needlework and flowers from her garden to meet the needs of the sick and hungry ~free us to use our gifts and talents as ministers of the Good News wherever you lead us.
St. Rose wanted nothing but a life of prayer and utter simplicity while many around her strove to grow rich on the backs of the Indigenous peoples of Peru; ~ move our hearts with compassion for the people and species that suffer most from the destruction caused by human selfishness and greed and help us to live more simply that others may simply live.
Create new hearts in us, O God,
and fill us with your Holy Spirit.
Prayer of Jesus
Our Father …
Closing Prayer & Blessing
Holy One and God of endless Compassion, you are the praise of all your saints and the joy of all creation. We rejoice today in the fellowship of your blessed servant Rose and we give you thanks for her life of devoted service and her legends which continue to delight and inspire us. Fill us with life and light, and give us perseverance to serve you all our days; For yours is the power and glory of love now and forever. Amen.
May the Love of Christ inspire us with compassion for all who suffer,
and may he bring us all to everlasting life. ~Amen.
Let us bless Adonai.
~Thanks be to God.