April 19 Mid-week Message (Anselm's "Mother jesus" Prayer)

Fr. Tony’s Mid-week Message

April 19, 2012

On the occasion of my institution as Rector, I wanted to share one of my favorite prayers, written by the Church Father who coined the expression “faith seeking understanding” (fides quaerens intellectum) to define “theology.”   

A Song of Christ’s Goodness
Anselm of Canterbury

Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you;

you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

Often you weep over our sins and our pride,

tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.

You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds,

in sickness you nurse us and with pure milk you feed us.

Jesus, by your dying, we are born to new life;

by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;

through your gentleness, we find comfort in fear.

Your warmth gives life to the dead,

your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy, heal us;

in your love and tenderness, remake us.

In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness,

for the beauty of heaven, may your love prepare us.

Peace and Grace,

--Fr. Tony+