New Beginnings

As we start this new year, I can't help but think of the words of the great (and old) Church hymn, the Te Deum. They express our tremendous thanks to God for the many wonderful things He has done for us throughout the year 2013, and they remind us that our invitation and response is to give God our best and our all in the New Year. For myself, I am tremendously grateful to God for calling me to the Priesthood and for sending me (through our bishop) to St. Michael's parish. What a learning experience this has been, and what a blessing it has been to be involved in so many ways!

Though in spite of the praise and thanksgiving this hymn inspires in us, there are some interesting phrases. "The chorus of martyrs praises you"?  They sure do ... and, like St. Stephen last week, they remind us that a live given totally in service to God and our neighbor is our greatest hope of Heaven.

TE DEUM LAUDAMUS

     You are God: we praise you;
    You are the Lord: we acclaim you;
    You are the eternal Father:
    All creation worships you.
    To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
    Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
    Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might,
    heaven and earth are full of your glory.
    The glorious company of apostles praise you.
    The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
    The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
    Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:
    Father, of majesty unbounded,
    your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
    and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
    You, Christ, are the king of glory,
    the eternal Son of the Father.
    When you became man to set us free
    you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.
    You overcame the sting of death,
    and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
    You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
    We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
    Come then, Lord, and help your people,
    bought with the price of your own blood,
    and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
    Save your people, Lord;
    and bless your inheritance.
    Govern and uphold them now and always.
    Day by day we bless you.
    We praise your name for ever.
    Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.
    Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.
    Lord, show us your love and mercy;
    for we put our trust in you.
    In you, Lord, is our hope:
    and we shall never hope in vain.

But, of course, if you're so inclined, you can find the original Latin chant on YouTube.

Happy New Year, and God bless you!