By Sr. Fidelis
The Summer Hymns for Lauds
The weekday hymn for Lauds has a new text for each day of the week. The season is indicated by a different tune for winter and summer; but the text remains the same for each day. Right now we are chanting the summer tune, which we began right after Pentecost. We will continue to use this tune until after the autumnal equinox toward the end of September, when we will switch to the winter tune.
The Lord’s Day Lauds hymn however has a completely different tune as well as different text for each of the seasons of Ordinary Time. As one might expect, the text of the summer hymn begins with reference to longer days. It is attributed to Alcuin, who died in 804.
Behold, already the shadow of night is diminishing, the dawn of light is gleaming red: Let us all keep on with every effort beseeching the Almighty.
May our compassionate God drive away all our anguish, bestow health, and give us by the lovingkindness of the Father, the kingdom of the heavens.
Grant us this, O blessed Godhead of the Father, and of the Son, and also of the Holy Spirit, whose glory resounds in all the world. Amen.
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