Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Death
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Yesterday I had the blessing of attending the burial mass for a fellow Bible study participant; she died at the age of 93. We had class together just a few months ago. She was always full of pep, full of life, and full of opinions :) I loved that at her age, she was still learning and I loved how insightful she was in analyzing Bible passages and discussing how they help us live a better Christian life. Her life story was full of giving to others, comforting others, feeding the hungry, loving her family, and being totally devoted to Jesus. She lived a life of prayer and devotion. Recently she took a “farewell tour” through the US to be with and love her family members. The gratitude for life and hope for unity with Jesus, in which she embraced her impending death, reminded me of how St Francis ended his Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon, “Praise be you, my Lord, through Sister Death”.
Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon
“Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.
Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.”
