For an introduction to this thirteen part series, scroll back to the post of November 29.
Kontakion 2
O Lord, how lovely it is to be your *guest. Breeze full of scents; mountains reaching to the skies; waters like boundless mirrors, reflecting the sun's golden rays and the *scudding clouds. All nature murmurs *mysteriously, breathing the depth of tenderness. Birds and beasts of the forest *bear the imprint of your love. Blessed are you, mother earth, in your fleeting loveliness, which wakens our yearning for happiness that will last for ever, in the land where, amid beauty that grows not old, the cry rings out: *Alleluia!
Ikos 2
You have brought me into life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky like a chalice of deepest blue, where in the azure heights *the birds are singing. We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the melodious music of the streams. We have tasted fruit of fine flavor and the sweet-scented honey. *We can live very well on your earth. It is a pleasure to be your guest.
Glory to you for the *Feast Day of life
Glory to you for the perfume of lilies and roses
Glory to you for each different taste of berry and fruit
Glory to you for the sparkling silver of early morning dew
Glory to you for the joy of dawn's awakening
Glory to you for the new life each day brings
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.
* "...to be your guest." As if God has personally invited us into his creation.
* "scudding clouds" - rushing clouds.
* "nature murmurs mysteriously" - for the Christian, God so close we may miss it.
* Nature bears the imprint of God's love. How then do we allow anything to go extinct?
* Alleluia! Sounds like a baby's babbling. We are speechless before God's wonders.
* "the birds are singing." But if we spray the insects into oblivion the birds will disappear.
* "we can live very well on your earth." Yes, but the 5 poorest counties in the United States; are inhabited by the remnants of the continent's indigenous tribes — exploited and pushed to desperation. How does that happen in the country which claims to be the richest?
* "Feast Day of life." When I am awake I see that every day is a feast day.
