Hermitage Meditation November 23, 2024
by Anne Arseneau
Winds whipped wildly across the island. We were without electrical power for nearly 24 hours. It abruptly gave quiet to our planned day, a stark reminder of our dependency on energy, time-filling distractions, and desire for light. We sat on the porch in the aftermath of the storm, glad to see the old Doug Firs still standing in the darkness. The only light came from our woodstove, warming our house and casting an orange glow. It was silent outside, stars then appeared above the clearing, and there was time for conversation. The wind’s fury tore out many trees nearby, poured rain into swollen rivers, docked ships, blocked busy highways with debris, washed up logs haphazardly onto beaches and stirred the ocean like soup. But we also had a day full of conserving, helping neighbours, standing in awe of nature’s power, taking naps, reading books, and feeling grateful.
Canticle of the Creatures
“Most high, omnipotent,
good Lord,
Thine are all praise, glory, honor and
all benedictions.
To thee alone, Most High, do they belong
And no man is worthy to name Thee.
Praise be to Thee, My Lord, with all
Thy creatures,
Especially Brother Sun,
Who is our day and lightens us
therewith.
Beautiful is he and radiant with great
splendor;
Of Thee, Most High, he bears expression.
Praise be to Thee, my Lord, for
Sister Moon, and for the stars
In the heavens which Thou has formed
bright, precious and fair.
Praise be to Thee, my Lord, for
Brother Wind,
And for the air and the cloud of fair
and all weather
Through which Thou givest
sustenance to Thy creatures.
Praise be, my Lord, for Sister Water.
Who is most useful, humble, precious
and chaste.
Praise be, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
By whom Thou lightest up the night:
He is beautiful, merry, robust and strong.
Praise be, my Lord, for our sister,
Mother Earth,
Who sustains and governs us
And brings forth diverse fruits with
many-hued flowers and grass.”
St. Francis of Assisi
Meditations from the Wilderness by Charles Brandt