Composing the Canticle of the Creatures
"St. Francis said to his companions, 'If an emperor were to give his entire kingdom to one of his servants, wouldn't that servant be filled with joy? And if, in addition, he gave him his whole empire, wouldn't the servant be even happier?' And he continued, 'Then I too should rejoice in my infirmities and troubles, and take comfort in the Lord and give thanks always to God the Father, and to his only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit for the great grace they've given me: namely, to know for certain, even while I am still clothed in the flesh, that I am assured of the kingdom, I an unworthy servant. 'So, for God's praise, for our consolation, and for the edification of others, I want to compose a new song, a canticle to the Lord through his creatures, whom we use every day, and without whom we cannot live and through whom the human race greatly offends its Creator. We are constantly ungrateful for his gifts and blessings, and we do not praise the Lord, Creator, and Giver of all good gifts, as we should.' Then he sat down and began to meditate for a while. And afterward he began to sing, 'Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, etc.,' and he taught his companions the words and the melody." --Mirror of Perfection, 100
Francis composed many songs to the Lord. He was able to see all of life as a gift from God to be appreciated now and what was to come.
"St. Francis said to his companions, 'If an emperor were to give his entire kingdom to one of his servants, wouldn't that servant be filled with joy? And if, in addition, he gave him his whole empire, wouldn't the servant be even happier?' And he continued, 'Then I too should rejoice in my infirmities and troubles, and take comfort in the Lord and give thanks always to God the Father, and to his only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit for the great grace they've given me: namely, to know for certain, even while I am still clothed in the flesh, that I am assured of the kingdom, I an unworthy servant. 'So, for God's praise, for our consolation, and for the edification of others, I want to compose a new song, a canticle to the Lord through his creatures, whom we use every day, and without whom we cannot live and through whom the human race greatly offends its Creator. We are constantly ungrateful for his gifts and blessings, and we do not praise the Lord, Creator, and Giver of all good gifts, as we should.' Then he sat down and began to meditate for a while. And afterward he began to sing, 'Most High, all-powerful, good Lord, etc.,' and he taught his companions the words and the melody." --Mirror of Perfection, 100
Francis composed many songs to the Lord. He was able to see all of life as a gift from God to be appreciated now and what was to come.
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