Hint #6:
Don't forget the canticles! The what? After each lesson in the Daily Office readings, a canticle appears, drawn from those that begin on p. 85 of the Book of Common Prayer. These (with the psalms) are the most ancient songs of the faith, set to music in the front of the Hymnal. When you read them, the great cloud of witnesses who have sung them are right there in your brain. Repetition etches the words into your mind and soul, so they supply your default mood. Canticle 10 appears after the first reading today; this part is one of my favorite "go to" sources for restoring faith:
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens *
and return not again, but water the earth,
Bringing forth life and giving growth, *
seed for sowing and bread for eating,
So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; *
it will not return to me empty;
But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, *
and prosper in that for which I sent it.
God will get God's way.
Seven stands for completeness. How can we stop at Hint #6? Because God wants a deeper connection with each of you that hinges on no intermediary. You and God will achieve completeness. Today's Saint, Ignatius of Loyola, encourages us to experience Scripture by putting ourselves into each story, as one of the characters or an observer. It's a wonderful way to begin a conversation with the Spirit. Enjoy your chats!
