Canticle of the Creatures
This famous Canticle written when St Francis recovered from a long spell of illness is often called Canticle of Brother Sun but that is misleading. It has been translated as Canticle of the Creatures but to our ears creatures implies living creatures. That is not what it is about.  It rejoices in the creation of the Sun, Moon and Stars  and of the four basic elements (as it was believed) of Earth, Air, Fire and Water , not Planet Earth but Mother Earth giving forth plants. So here it is called: Canticle of Creation. It includes mortals and gives praise to the Lord for those who pardon and endure. It ends with the final journey with Sister Bodily Death.

Canticle of Creation

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1 v1.


Most High, all-powerful, Good Lord,   all praise is Yours,
 all glory, all honour,   and all blessing.
To You, alone,    Most High,   do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your name.

SunAll praise be Yours, my Lord,     through all You have made,
    and first my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day;
    and through whom You give us light.
How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor;
    Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Moon
                            All Praise be Yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon
                                and the Stars; in the heavens You have made them,
                                                    bright, and precious, and fair.

Breeze
All praise be Yours, my Lord,
    through Brothers Wind and Air, and fair and stormy,
    all the weather's moods,
    by which You cherish all that You have made.

Water

                          All praise be Yours, my Lord, through Sister Water,
                                        so useful, humble, precious and pure.

Fire
All praise be Yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
    through whom You brighten up the night.
    How beautiful is he, how cheerful!
    Full of power and strength.

Mother Earth
                                All praise be Yours, my Lord, through our Sister
                                  Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us,
                    and produces various fruits with coloured flowers  and herbs.
Life
 All praise be Yours, my Lord,
     through those who grant pardon for love of You;
     through those who endure sickness and trial.
Happy are those who endure in peace,
     By You, Most High, they will be crowned. Death

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Bodily Death,
 From whose embrace no mortal can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!                   
    Happy those she finds doing Your will!              
    The second death can do them no harm.            

Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks
    And serve Him with great humility.



.............shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 21 v8



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