Daily Primer — June 15, Venice — Italy

One day a brother came to Abba Macarius the Egyptian asking, “Abba, give me a word that I might be saved.”  Macarius replied, “Go to the cemetery and abuse the dead.”  The brother went to the cemetery and threw rocks while cursing the dead buried there.  He then returned to Macarius, who asked, “Did they say anything to you?”  The brother answered, “No."  Then Macarius said, “Go to the cemetery and praise the dead.”  The brother did as he was instructed and poured out compliments and approbation on all the dead lying there — calling them saints, apostles, and righteous ones.  Again he returned to Macarius who asked, “Did the dead respond?”  “No,” answered the brother.  Then Macarius gave him a word, saying, “You know how you insulted them and they did not reply, and then you praised them and they did not react; so you must become like them if you wish to be saved.  Like the dead, take no account of either the scorn of others or their praises — do this and you will be saved.”

Florilegium is the Medieval Latin word for bouquet, or more literally flowers (flos, flor-) which are gathered (legere). The word florilegium was used to refer to a compilation of writings, often religious or philosophical. These florilegium are literary flowers—beautiful words/prayers/thoughts I have gathered.  During my sabbatical they will give me something to ponder each day. — PHL.

God in three persons, you have made yourself known throughout the ages as a reliable companion, walking with us as we make our way in life.  Lead us as a felt presence, so that our growing relationship with you might begin to affect our relationships with one another.  Having learned forgiveness and mercy from you, we may be forgiving and merciful with others.  Having seen your astonishing generosity, we might set aside our parsimonious inclinations and share as extravagantly as you.  We, who are creatures made in your image, know that we will only become truly ourselves as we conform evermore to the person we find in your presence, so soften our hardened hearts and assist us as we try to discern your felt presence.  Amen.

O God, you have designed this wonderful world,
and know all things good for us.
Give us such faith, that by day and by night,
at all times and in all places,
we may without fear
entrust those who are dear to us
to your never-failing love,
in this life and in the life to come;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.