light
appears 50 times in 29 song(s)
11
Eucharistic Prayer II (Off., Interc., Dox.)
Therefore, as we celebrate
the memorial of his Death and Resurrection,
we offer you Lord, the Bread of life
and the Chalice of salvation,
giving thanks that you have held us worthy
to be in your presence and minister to you.
Humbly we pray
that, partaking in the Body and Blood of Christ
we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.
Remember, Lord, your Church,
spread throughout the world,
and bring her to the fullness of charity,
together with … our Pope,
…, our Bishop,
and all the clergy.
Remember also our brothers and sisters
who have fallen asleep
in the hope of the resurrection,
and all who have died in your mercy:
welcome them into the light of your face.
Have mercy on us all, we pray,
that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with the blessed Apostles,
and with all the Saints
who have pleased you throughout the ages,
we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life,
and may praise and glorify you
through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honour is yours,
for ever and ever.
Amen, amen, amen.
12
Exsultet (Paschal Praeconium)
Exult, choirs of angels,
Exult, heavenly assembly!
May a hymn of glory
greet the triumph of our risen Lord!
Rejoice, all the earth,
flooded with the new light!
The splendour of the King has conquered darkness,
the darkness of the world!
The splendour of the King has conquered darkness,
the darkness of the world!
Rejoice, O Mother Church, made resplendent
with the glory of your risen Lord.
Let this holy building resound,
echoing the song of a people in feast.
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right and just.
It is truly right and just
to express, by singing, the great joy of the spirit
and to praise the all powerful Father
and his Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.
He paid for us to the eternal Father Adam’s debt,
and with his blood, shed out of love,
he wiped away the condemnation of the ancient fault.
This is the Passover
in which is slain the one true Lamb.
This is the night
in which you freed our fathers from the slavery of Egypt.
This is the night
that with a pillar of fire banished the darkness of evil.
This is the night in which you have conquered the darkness of sin.
This is the night
in which Christ has destroyed death
and from the dead arises victorious.
How wonderful is the mercy
of your grace,
how boundless the tenderness of your love;
to ransom a slave you sacrificed your Son!
Without the sin of Adam,
Christ would not have redeemed us!
O happy fault,
which deserved so great a Saviour,
O happy fault!
O Night, truly blessed,
which knew the hour in which Christ arose!
O Night, truly blessed,
which despoiled the Egyptians to make Israel wealthy!
O Night, which conquers evil and washes guilt away!
O Night, truly glorious,
which reconciles man | to his God!
This is the night
in which Christ has destroyed death
and from the dead arises victorious.
In this night, receive, heavenly Father,
the sacrifice of praise
that the Church is offering you by the hand of her ministers
in the solemn liturgy of the candle,
sign of the new light.
We pray you, O Lord:
let this candle,
offered in honour of your name,
shine with light;
let it ascend to you like fragrant perfume,
let it mingle with the stars of heaven;
may the morning star find this flame still burning,
the morning star which never sets:
Christ, your Son, risen from the dead,
who shines resplendent with his peaceful light!
Amen, Amen, Amen!
19
Hymn for Lauds of Advent until 16 December
A voice resounds from heaven,
it echoes in the night;
let dreams and anguish flee,
the light of Christ shines forth.
The heart awakes from slumber
no longer troubled by evil;
a new star is shining
in the darkness of the world.
Behold the Lamb of God,
the price of our ransom;
with living faith we implore
his forgiveness and peace.
When at the end of time
Christ comes in his glory,
may his grace release us
from his fearsome judgement.
Praise be to Christ the Lord,
to the Father and the Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be. Amen.
19
Hymn for Lauds of Advent after 17 December
The voices of the prophets
announce the coming of the Lord
who brings to all men
the gift of his peace.
Behold a new light
rises in the morning,
a voice resounds:
the king of glory comes.
At his first coming
Christ came to save us,
to heal our wounds
of body and spirit.
At the end of time
he will return as judge;
he will give the promised kingdom
to his faithful servants.
Today, on our path
his light shines for us;
Jesus, the sun of grace,
calls us to new life.
It is you, O Christ, we seek;
it is you we want to know,
to praise you forever
in your eternal kingdom.
To you be praise, O Lord,
born of the Virgin Mary,
to the Father and the Holy Spirit
for ever and ever. Amen.
20
Hymn for Lauds from Easter to the Ascension
From the abyss of death
Christ ascends victorious
together with the ancient fathers.
The sun of Easter shines,
the sky with songs resounds,
all the earth rejoices.
From the abyss of death…
Beside the empty tomb
in vain the guardian watches:
the Lord from death has risen!
From the abyss of death…
O Jesus, immortal King,
unite in your victory
those in baptism reborn.
From the abyss of death…
May the light of your Passover,
the pledge of love and peace,
shine upon your Church.
From the abyss of death…
Glory and honour to Christ,
to the Father and the Spirit,
now and forever.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
21
Hymn for Vespers on Ascension day
The Good Shepherd ascended
to the right hand of the Father;
the little flock keeps vigil
with Mary in the Cenacle.
From the splendour of heaven
the prophetic chrism descends
and consecrates the apostles
heralds of the Gospel.
The Good Shepherd ascended…
Come, O Divine Spirit,
with your holy gifts
and make our hearts
a temple of your glory.
The Good Shepherd ascended…
Light of eternal wisdom,
reveal to us the great mystery
of the one and threefold God,
fountain of eternal love.
Amen.
22
Come, O creator Spirit (Hymn for Vespers)
Come, O creator Spirit,
visit our minds,
fill with your love
the hearts you have created.
O sweet Consoler,
gift of the most high Father,
living water, fire, love,
holy chrism of the soul.
Finger of the hand of God,
promised by the Saviour,
pour out your seven gifts,
make the word be born in us.
Be light to the intellect,
living flame in our hearts;
heal our wounds
with the balm of your love.
Defend us from the enemy,
bring peace as your gift;
may your unfailing guidance
save us from all evil.
Light of eternal wisdom,
reveal to us the great mystery
of God the Father and the Son,
united in one single Love.
Amen.
23
Day of immense joy (Hymn for Lauds of Pentecost)
Day of immense joy
in the city of God;
may the flame of the Spirit
shine in the Cenacle.
The wondrous gift of the prophets
is renewed on this day
and a mystic rapture
touches tongues and hearts.
Day of immense joy…
O blessed season
of the new-born Church,
who welcomes in her womb
the first fruits of the nations.
Day of immense joy…
This is the jubilee
of the fiftieth year
that ransoms the slave
and proclaims forgiveness.
Day of immense joy…
Send upon us, O Lord,
the gift of your Spirit;
grant to this restless world
justice and peace.
Day of immense joy…
Light of eternal wisdom,
reveal to us the mystery
of the one and threefold God,
fountain of eternal love.
Amen.
24
Come, Holy Spirit (Sequence for Pentecost)
Come Holy Spirit,
send us a ray of your light.
Come, Father of the poor,
come, giver of gifts.
Come, light of the heart,
you, the greatest Consoler.
Come Holy Spirit…
Sweet guest of the soul,
sweetest consolation,
rest in the midst of our labours,
comfort in our weeping.
Come Holy Spirit…
Come most blessed light,
come and fill our hearts.
Without your holy strength,
nothing pure dwells in man.
Come Holy Spirit…
Wash what is dirty,
water what is dry.
Heal what is wounded,
bend what is rigid.
Come Holy Spirit…
Warm what is cold,
bring back what goes astray.
Give to your faithful
your seven holy gifts.
Come Holy Spirit…
Give virtue and love,
give us a holy death.
Give joy eternal.
Amen, Alleluia!
Come Holy Spirit,
send us a ray of your light.
27
Flee, shadows and darkness (Hymn for Lauds)
Flee, shadows and darkness,
the light of day shines forth,
Christ the Lord is coming.
The sun of justice
transfigures and inflames
the waiting universe.
With pure and humble joy,
amid songs and prayers,
we welcome the Lord.
You, Saviour of the poor,
let the glory of your face
shine on a new world.
Praise to you, O Christ,
with the Father and the Spirit,
now and forever.
Amen.
28
Created for the glory (Hymn for Lauds of Friday)
Created for the glory of your Name,
redeemed by the blood of your cross,
marked by the seal of your Spirit,
we implore you: ‘Save us, O Lord.’
Break the chains of sin,
protect the humble, free the oppressed;
lead to heaven to the peaceful pastures
the people who believe in your love.
Honour and praise to you, Good Shepherd,
radiant light of eternal splendour;
you, who reign with the Father and the Spirit,
glorious for ever and ever. Amen.
35
How much longer will you forget me, O my Lord?
How much longer
will you hide your face from me?
I will sing to the Lord,
I will sing
to him who is my Saviour!
Look at me, answer me, O Lord my God,
give light to my eyes,
lest I sleep the sleep of death.
I will sing to the Lord…
Lest my foes say: "We have prevailed over him,"
lest my oppressors
rejoice because I've stumbled.
I will sing to the Lord…
But I, I rely upon your love,
and my heart
will rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord…
39
Give thanks to the Lord, alleluia!
Give thanks to the Lord, alleluia!
Give thanks to the Lord, alleluia!
Give thanks to the Lord, alleluia!
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his love is everlasting.
He alone does great marvels.
Give thanks to the Lord, alleluia…
He made the heavens with wisdom,
for his love is everlasting.
He set the earth firmly on the waters. *
He created the great lights in the heavens,
for his love is everlasting,
the sun to rule the day and the moon the night. *
He struck down the first born of Egypt,
for his love is everlasting.
And he brought out his people, Israel.*
He opened a way through the sea,
for his love is everlasting.
And he led his people through the waters. *
He drowned Pharaoh and his army,
for his love is everlasting.
And he led his people through the desert. *
He gave us according to his promise,
for his love is everlasting,
a land flowing with milk and honey. *
He is with us in our anguish,
for his love is everlasting.
And he frees us from our oppressors. *
He provides for all living creatures,
for his love is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord of Heaven. *
Give thanks to the Lord…
41
Canticle of Daniel (Part 2)
All you works of the Lord
O bless the Lord!
To him…
be highest glory and praise for evermore!
Angels of the Lord *
Heavens of the Lord
All waters above the heavens *
All armies of the Lord*
Sun and moon
Stars of heaven *
Showers and rain
All breezes and winds *
Fire and heat *
Cold and heat *
Showers and dew *
Frosts and cold *
Ice and snow *
Night and day
Darkness and light *
Lightning and clouds
O let the earth bless the Lord – to him…
be highest glory and praise for evermore!
Mountains and hills
All plants of the earth
Fountains and springs *
Rivers and seas *
Sea-monsters and all that moves in the waters *
Every bird in the sky *
Wild beasts and tame *
Children of men *
O Israel, bless the Lord – to him…
be highest glory and praise for evermore.
Priests of the Lord *
Servants of the Lord *
Spirits and souls of the just *
Holy and humble of heart *
Ananias, Azarias, Mizael *
To him…
be highest glory and praise for evermore.
Let us praise the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
To you be highest glory and praise for ever!
May you be blessed, O Lord, in the heavens.
To you be highest glory and praise for ever!
O bless the Lord.
44
The Lord is my light and my salvation
The Lord is my light and my salvation:
whom need I fear?
The Lord is the fortress of my life:
of whom shall I be afraid?
I am sure I shall see
your goodness, O Lord.
Wait for the Lord, take courage,
wait for the Lord, take courage,
wait for the Lord, take courage,
wait for the Lord.
One thing I ask of the Lord,
only one thing I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life.
I am sure I shall see…
The Lord hides me in His shelter
in times of trouble.
The Lord stretches out His hand to me;
I shall walk in safety.
I am sure I shall see…
50
Blessed be the Lord,
the God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people,
raising up for us a power of salvation
in the house of his servant David.
According to the promise made from ancient times,
through the mouths of his holy prophets,
that he would save us from our enemies
and from the hands of all those who hate us.
Fulfilling in this way the mercy
he had with our fathers,
remembering his holy Covenant,
and the oath he swore to our father, Abraham,
that he would set us free from fear
to be delivered from the hands of our enemies,
to serve him in holiness and virtue
in his presence all our days.
Blessed be the Lord...
And you, little child,
you shall be called Prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare a way for him,
announcing to his people salvation
and forgiveness of their sins.
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
a sun, rising from on high, will visit us,
to give light to those who live in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Blessed be the Lord…
80
As a doe yearns for running streams
As a doe yearns for running streams,
so my soul is thirsting for you, my God,
My soul is thirsting for God, for the living God,
when shall I see the face of God?
Tears are my food day and night,
while my enemies say to me all day long:
"Where is your God? Where is your God?
Where is your God?"
My soul is filled with sadness
when I remember
how I used to walk
in the midst of a people rejoicing.
Why are you downcast my soul,
why do you sigh within me?
Hope in God, hope in God,
and you will praise him again.
Because he, he is my salvation.
He is my God, he is my God.
Hope in God, hope in God,
hope in God, hope in God,
and you will praise him again.
How many times have I said to God, my rock:
"Why have you forsaken me? "
Why do I walk
sadly oppressed by my enemies?
My bones are crushed
from hearing all day long:
"Where is your God?
Where is your God?"
Lord, send your light and your truth:
let them lead me to your holy temple,
then I will be able to sing to you a song of feast,
a song of joy on my guitar.
Why are you downcast my soul…
84
I shall not die, but I shall live
I shall not die
but I shall live
to proclaim
the deeds of the Lord.
He has punished me,
he has punished me,
but he
has not abandoned me to death.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
his love is everlasting.
Let Israel say that he is good,
his love is everlasting.
Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love is everlasting."
Let those who fear the Lord say:
"His love is everlasting."
In my anguish I cried to the Lord,
he answered and saved me.
The Lord is at my side, I do not fear;
what can man do against me?
The Lord is with me, he is my helper;
I shall defy my foes.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in men.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in the powerful.
They surrounded me,
they surrounded me,
but in the name of the Lord
I overcame them.
I was pressed,
I was pressed,
but in the name of the Lord
I overcame them.
They swarmed around me like bees,
but in the name of the Lord I overcame them.
They blazed like a fire among thorns,
but in the name of the Lord I overcame them.
My strength and my song is the Lord;
he has been my salvation.
There are shouts of joy and victory
in the tents of the just.
The Lord's right hand is raised up
and has worked marvels for us.
I shall not die
but I shall live…
Open to me the gates of justice;
I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gateway of the Lord
through which the just will enter.
I thank you for you have answered me;
you have been my salvation.
The stone rejected by the builders
has become the corner stone.
This is the work of the Lord;
a marvel in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and exult in it.
I shall not die
but I shall live…
O Lord, grant us salvation!
O Lord, grant us success!
Blessed, in the name of the Lord,
blessed is he who comes.
We bless you from the house of the Lord;
the Lord God is our light.
Go forward in procession with branches,
even to the altar.
You are my God, I thank you,
my God, I praise you.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,
for his love is everlasting.
88
The people that walked in darkness
The people that walked in darkness
has seen a great light.
On those who walked in a land of darkness
a great light has shone.
You have made their gladness greater,
you have made their joy increase:
they rejoiced in your presence
as they rejoice at harvest time,
as they rejoice when they divide the spoils.
And dominion will be upon his shoulders,
and his name will be, and his name will be:
wonderful, wonderful counsellor,
mighty God, eternal Father;
Prince of peace,
Prince of peace.
The yoke that was weighing on the people,
the yoke that weighed on their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressors,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Every boot of the trampling warrior,
every garment soaked in blood
will be burnt and consumed by fire,
for a child is born for us,
a Son has been given to us.
And dominion will be upon his shoulders…
93
Bless the Lord, my soul (Song of Tobit)
Bless the Lord, my soul,
bless the Lord, the great King,
because she will be rebuilt,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem!
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Jerusalem rebuilt again,
Jerusalem forever!
Your gates will be rebuilt
with sapphires and emeralds;
your walls with precious stones,
your towers with pure gold.
Your squares inlaid with rubies,
your streets with gold of Ophir.
Within your doors will be exultation,
in your houses there will be singing!
Jerusalem…
Your light will arise to the ends of the earth,
to you numerous peoples will come,
the inhabitants of the nations
will come towards the abode of your Name.
Generations will exult,
people will sing,
and in her the Name of your Chosen One
will be forever, will be forever.
Jerusalem…
Cursed are those who insult you,
cursed are those who destroy you,
cursed are those who demolish your walls,
who tear down your towers.
But blessed, blessed forever,
are those who rebuild you,
those who build you again.
Blessed are those who love you,
those who rejoice because of your peace.
Within your doors they will exult,
in your houses they will sing!
Within your doors they will exult,
in your houses they will sing!
Jerusalem…
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
99
Come to me, all of you
who are weary and overburdened
and I shall give you rest,
and I shall give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart
and you shall find rest for yourselves,
and you shall find rest for your souls.
Because my yoke is gentle,
because my yoke is gentle
and my burden light;
because my yoke is gentle
and my burden light.
110
Hail, Queen of Heaven,
Lady, Lady of Angels,
hail, Root,
hail, Door.
You, you, you,
opened the door to our light.
Rejoice, Virgin Mary,
of all women, the most beautiful.
Hail eternal Handmaid,
pray to Christ for us.
Hail eternal Handmaid,
pray to Christ for us.
Ee … ee … ee …
hail, Root,
hail, Door.
You, you, you,
opened the door to our light.
Rejoice, Virgin Mary…
136
Hide me in the depths of your tent
Hide me
in the depths of your tent,
set me high
on a rock.
The Lord is my light and my salvation:
whom need I fear?
The Lord is the fortress of my life:
of whom should I be afraid?
Hide me…
When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
they, my opponents, my enemies,
are the ones who stumble and fall.
Hide me…
Even if an army encamped against me,
my heart would not be afraid;
though war were waged against me,
my trust would still be firm.
Hide me…
One thing I ask of the Lord,
only one thing I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life.
Hide me…
The Lord hides me under his shelter
in times of trouble.
The Lord stretches out his hand to me,
I shall walk in safety.
Hide me…
Hear O Lord my voice when I call to you;
have mercy on me and be attentive.
I seek your face, O Lord,
do not hide your face from me.
Hide me…
141
You are the light of the world
You are the light of the world,
you are the light, the light of the world,
the light of the world.
It cannot be hidden,
a city on a hilltop.
It cannot be hidden,
a city on a hilltop;
nor is a lamp lit
to be put under a tub,
but it is put on the lampstand,
so it may shine on all those in the house.
In the same way may your light shine
in the sight of men,
so they may see your works
and give glory to your Father in heaven.
You are the light of the world,
you are the light, the light of the world,
220
Clothe yourselves in the armour of God
Clothe yourselves in the armour of God,
carrying the weapons of light.
Because our struggle
is not against creatures of flesh and blood,
but against the spirits of evil
which live in this world of darkness.
Gird your loins
with the truth,
clothe yourselves
with the justice of the cross,
which does not resist evil,
but takes on itself the sins of others.
Having shod your feet
with zeal to announce of the Gospel,
above all
carry the shield of faith –
That Christ really loves you,
that he died on the cross for you
when you were wicked and a sinner.
Carry the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God,
and the helmet
of salvation.
That Christ Jesus rose from death!
That he is the Lord,
that he will come again, he will come again
and will take us with him!
Alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
263
The same God who said:
'From darkness let the light shine,'
is he who shone into our hearts
to make the knowledge of his glory shine,
which is on the face of Christ,
which is on the face of Christ.
But we carry this treasure
in earthen vessels.
But we carry this treasure
in earthen vessels.
So that it may be shown
that the sublimity of this love comes from God,
comes from God and not from us.
Insulted on every side
but not distressed;
persecuted, but not forsaken;
cast down, but not destroyed.
Carrying always in our bodies
the death of Jesus,
so that
in us may be shown his resurrection.
And so while we die,
you are receiving life.
And so while we die,
you are receiving life.
Carrying always in our bodies
the death of Jesus,
so that
in us may be shown his resurrection.
278
Like honey flowing from the comb
and milk from the breast of a woman
who loves her babies,
as a spring pours out its peaceful waters,
so my heart pours out its praise.
And from my lips springs forth praise for him
and my mouth is full of the sweetness of his name
and my limbs delight in his songs.
Because his light eases my pain,
because his simple and loving gaze
heals my heart,
because immortal life
has made its home within us.
Alleluia, alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
Like honey flowing from the comb
and milk from the breast of a woman
who loves her babies,
as a spring pours out its peaceful waters,
so my heart pours out its praise.
And my face lights up with his joy
and my spirit rejoices in his love
and my heart, filled with his serene light,
feels the love of his gaze.
Because in him fear becomes trust.
Because in him fear becomes trust.
Because in him salvation is secure.
Because in him salvation is secure.
Because immortal life
has made its home within us.
Alleluia, alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
284
Paschal Homily of Melito of Sardis
You have covered death with shame,
you have thrown hell into mourning,
you have struck iniquity,
you have deprived injustice of her children,
as Moses did to Pharaoh,
as Moses did to Pharaoh.
You have brought us from slavery to freedom,
from darkness to light, from death to life.
You are the passover of our salvation,
you are the lamb born of Mary.
Mary, she-lamb without blemish,
Mary, the innocent she-lamb.
You have been slain in Abel,
you have been bound in Isaac,
sold in Joseph,
abandoned on the waters in Moses,
persecuted in David,
mocked and despised in all the prophets.
You are the lamb who does not open his mouth,
you are the lamb born of Mary.
Mary, she-lamb without blemish…
You were taken from the flock,
led to sacrifice,
slaughtered in the evening,
buried in the night,
your blessed body did not experience corruption.
You rose from death,
and made mankind rise
from the depths of the tomb.
You are the lamb who does not open his mouth,
you are the lamb born of Mary.
Mary, she-lamb without blemish…
290
The dark night of the soul
Upon a dark night,
ablaze with love, with urgent longings,
O happy chance! –
I left without being noticed,
my house at last completely quiet.
In darkness, and secure,
by the secret ladder, in disguise,
O happy chance! –
in darkness and concealed,
my house at last completely quiet.
On this blessed night,
in secret and not seen by anyone,
I beheld nothing
with any other light or guide
but for that which in my heart was burning.
And this was guiding me,
more surely than the light of noon,
to where he was awaiting me –
he whom I knew so well –
and no one, no one else was there.
O night that was my guide!
O night more lovely than the dawn's first light!
O night that united
the Lover with his beloved,
the beloved in her Lover transformed.
Upon a dark night…
O night that was my guide…