Bibliotheca Arnamagnæana - 01.06.2003, Page 169
Liturgy of St Knud Lavard
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same”), yet it is very different. For the death of sinners is most terrible, but pre-
cious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Nor need we fear for the
amount of the fruit, for He who cannot lie declares that there is much of it. Great
is the reward of the saints in heaven. The cause why its quality cannot be com-
prehended by human agency is that what God has prepared for those who love
Him has not gone up into the heart of man. Our glorious father and patron Knud
appeared pleasing to God among His chosen grains, he who paid the price of the
human condition by his temporal death but was worthy to be crowned with the
palm of martyrdom. Thus the mighty martyr, falling on the ground, grew to
heaven and happily multiplied his fruits with God and men. Brethren, let us not
hesitate to direct our prayers to such a glorious martyr, imploring that we, who
so often backslide on our earthly pilgrimage because of hostile deceit, the weak-
ness of the flesh, and worldly ambition, may be strengthened by his intercession.
Dearly beloved, let us strive to fulfil in our works that which we have heard with
our ears. Let us die to the world to which we have bidden farewell, mortifying
on earth our bodies with compunction of the heart and cleanliness, with mortifi-
cation of the flesh and continency, and with the keeping of holiness with pa-
tience, so that through the winnowing of our tribulation, shut off from the things
of the world and following our Saviour, we may be inwardly purged of the chaff
of our sins. Thus, when in due time the householder comes, we, carrying the
bundles of justice, may obtain grace among the pure grains; and, our fruit being
increased a hundredfold, we may have life etemal.
Twelfth respond with trope (§ 2c:2:4:2). Adomment and liberty of the king-
dom, its peace, its flowering, its fruit and fullness! You open the ears of the deaf,
give speaking tongues to the dumb, make the lame walk, and the blind see; *
each needy one that trusts in you f ** is granted health.
Joined with the heavenly hosts you are set above the stars, and you help your
servants here on earth below; * each needy one, etc.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Adomment and liberty, etc.
f Trope. You, who bring the servants of the Cross together at the Crucified’s
command, illuminate us through your knightly intercession with the brightness
of the true light!
As guardian of the law you dwell in the world, though lacking the world’s
vice. O kingly son, O duke, unrivalled in your care
for a sinful race, the people and the flocks of Satan! By the power of the
Almighty your nation is freed from all torment;
** [each needy one] is granted health.