Daily Primer — June 4

Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying you are sorry, realizing that you have been on the wrong track and getting ready to start life over again from the ground floor — that is the only way out of a "hole." This process of surrender — this movement full speed astern — is what Christians call repentance.... It means unlearning all the self-conceit and self-will that we have been training ourselves into for thousands of years. It means undergoing a kind of death.

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.

You, Lord, are the first pilgrim.  As our creed states it: “For us and for our salvation he came down…”. It is for love that you came and by love that you show your sovereignty.  When we were estranged from you, you came in reconciliation to befriend strangers.  As we depart on this journey of faith — among people, places, and practices strange to us — inspire us to make our pilgrimage following you and your example.  May we live into our calling to be ambassadors of your reconciliation. In the name of our pilgrim-Lord who is gentle, and humble, and whose burden is light.  Amen.

Be present, Spirit of God,
within us, your dwelling place and home,
that this house may be one where
all darkness is penetrated by your light,
all troubles calmed by your peace,
all evil redeemed by your love,
all pain transformed in your suffering,
and all dying glorified in your risen life. Amen.