Vespers

I woke up this past Sunday morning really excited and at first I could not understand why.  The day was going to be the same as my many of my past Sundays; I would assist at the Masses and teach the RCIA. These are wonderful things, especially assisting at the Mass, but I knew my excitement was coming from something different. It was only when I was fully awake that I remembered this was the week we would ordain our new Bishop. The ceremonies would begin Monday evening with Vespers, the evening prayer that Bishops, Priest, Deacons and men and women in consecrated life pray.

Vespers is part of the Divine Officer or Liturgy of the Hours.  Morning Prayers are also part of the Divine office and along with Vespers are sometimes referred to as the "hinge prayers".  Morning prayer helps us begin the day with God in our minds and on our hearts.  We recall the resurrection and begin the day by dedicating it to God.  Vespers or Evening Prayer is our opportunity to review our day, give thanks to the Lord for what He has given us and for all the good things we have done in His name that day.

Every Evening Prayer includes the Gospel Canticle, which if from the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55).  The first two verse are:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

May these two verses be a reflection of what your day has been.