Sunday Lauds begin with Psalm 66, said straight through without a refrain. Then Psalm 50 follows with an "alleluia" refrain. Lauds continue with Psalms 117 and 62, the Canticle of the Three Young Men, Psalms 148 through 150, a reading from the Apocalypse recited by heart and followed by a responsory, an Ambrosian hymn, a versicle, the Gospel Canticle, the litany and the conclusion. (RB80.12)
The word 'lauds' is based on the Latin word for praise. Many English words come from the same root: laudable, applause, etc.
What is so special about the dawn or early morning time that it could call forth praise from creation? For many of us, that early morning time seems like a good time to catch some extra sleep.
Being an early morning person, I know the exhilaration of those first few minutes of the day. The time when everything seems new and fresh and anything is really possible. The past is forgotten at that time and it is a new beginning. Why not rejoice??
Rejoice in the new opportunities offered, the new relationships to be worked out, the new challenges to be faced with optimism.
This reframing of the early morning might truly give me a reason to rejoice and praise God.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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