John of Damascus: Let us rise in early morning

Tuesday, August 7, 2012
    Commemoration of John Mason Neale, Priest, Poet, 1866
Meditation:
    We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
    —Romans 8:22-23 (NIV)
Quotation:
Let us rise in early morning,
    And, instead of ointments, bring
Hymns of praises to our Master,
    And His Resurrection sing:
We shall see the Sun of Justice
    Risen with healing on His wing.

Thy unbounded loving-kindness,
    They that groaned in Hades’ chain,
Prisoners, from afar beholding,
    Hasten to the light again;
And to that eternal Pascha
    Wove the dance and raised the strain.

Go ye forth, His Saints, to meet Him!
    Go with lamps in every hand!
From the sepulchre He riseth:
    Ready for the Bridegroom stand:
And the Pascha of salvation
    Hail, with His triumphant band.
    ... John of Damascus (c.676-749) & John Mason Neale (1818-1866), Hymns of the Eastern Church, London: J. T. Hayes, 1870, p. 100 (see the book)
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, Your people join the celebration of Your victory.

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