Monday, November 1, 2010

All Saints Day (3)



How shining and splendid are your gifts, O Lord
which you give us for our eternal well-being
Your glory shines radiantly in your saints, O God
In the honour and noble victory of the martyrs.
The white-robed company follow you,
bright with their abundant faith;
They scorned the wicked words of those with this world's power.
For you they sustained fierce beatings, chains, and torments,
they were drained by cruel punishments.
They bore their holy witness to you
who were grounded deep within their hearts;
they were sustained by patience and constancy.
Endowed with your everlasting grace,
may we rejoice forever with the martyrs.
O Christ, in your goodness,
grant to us the gracious heaven realms of eternal life.

Unknown author, 10th century

Graphic: Christ Glorified in the Court of Heaven

Fra Angelico - 1428-30, Tempera on wood - National Gallery, London