ALES DIEI NUNTIUS

« ALES DIEI NUNTIUS ». - Hymn of the Roman Breviary for the ferial lauds of Tuesday. It consists of stanzas 1, 2, 21, and 25 of a long hymn by Prudenzio (late fourth century), the first in his book Cathemerinus, entitled ad gallicinium. The poet recalls with greater artistry, but with less warm feeling, the idea of s. Ambrogio Aeterne rerum conditor (v.). The cock, which by its morning song calls slumbering men back to the work of the day, is a symbol of Jesus, the mighty “awakener” of souls, who summons all to abandon the enticing softness of sleep, which enfeebles them, and to await his near coming in watchfulness, purity, and sobriety (st. 1-2). This dynamic and virile idea gives rise in the soul to a fervent invocation to Jesus, that he may grant his faithful the strength to free themselves from the night of guilt and that living light of grace which is necessary to respond to his inward calls (st. 3-4).