Friday, September 1 : Saint Nerses Chnorhali

I have not become as wise
as those five wise virgins;
I have not acquired
what is easy with what is difficult.
But I have become the most wretched of the foolish ones
by failing to keep some oil for my lamp:
namely, mercy together with virginity
or, still more, the anointing from baptism’s sacred fount… Therefore the doors of the wedding hall
are closed to me too in my negligence.
But, O my Bridegroom, while I am still in my body here below,
listen to my soul, your bride…
From now on I will cry aloud piteously:
“Oh, open to me your heavenly door;
bring me into your wedding chamber on high;
make me worthy of your holy kiss,
your pure and spotless embrace.
Oh let me not hear the voice saying
it does not know me!
I am blind; set alight with your own light
my spirit’s extinguished flame!”

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team