Daily Primer — June 19, Amsterdam — Netherlands

Consider that wonderful world of life in which you are placed and observe that its great rhythms of birth, growth, and death —all the things that really matter—are not in your control.  That unhurried process will go forward in its stately beauty, little affected by your anxious fuss.  Find out, then, where your treasure really is.  Discern substance from accident.  Don’t confuse your meals with your life, and your clothes with your body.  Don’t lose your head over what perishes. Nearly everything does perish, so face the facts, don’t rush after the transient and unreal.  Maintain your soul in tranquil dependence on God; don’t worry; don’t mistake what you possess for what you are.  Accumulating things is useless.  Both mental and material avarice are merely silly in view of the dread facts of life and death.  The White Knight would have done better had he left his baggage at home.  The simpler your house, the easier it will be to run.  The fewer the things and people you ‘Simply must have,’ the nearer you will be to the ideal of happiness—‘as having nothing to possess all.’

Florilegium is the Medieval Latin word for bouquet, or more literally flowers (flos, flor-) which are gathered (legere). The word florilegium was used to refer to a compilation of writings, often religious or philosophical. These florilegium are literary flowers—beautiful words/prayers/thoughts I have gathered.  During my sabbatical they will give me something to ponder each day. — PHL.

Lord, you say, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Help us who seek you to notice our restlessness and to respond to it by bringing our burdens to you, taking your yoke upon ourselves, and learning from you how a life of gentleness and humility leads to restfulness in your grace.  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Lord, have mercy.
       Christ, have Mercy.
Lord, have Mercy.
God my Friend, you have taught me that I am no longer your servant, but your friend. At the close of this day I give thanks for your friendship and prepare myself for sleep knowing that a trustworthy friend is keeping watch over me. Give to me sweet dreams, and deep sleep, and holy communion with you this night, that I might be reassured emotionally, restored physically, and renewed spiritually before I arise to take my turn keeping vigil for you. I pray this in the name of Jesus, my first, fast, last friend. Amen.

Tu qui sedes in tenebris    You who sit in darkness
spe tua gaude:                       Keeping hope alive:
orta stella matutina              There, the star of the morning,
sol non tardabit.                    The sun, shall not tarry.