Lyrics, upgraded! This classic page keeps the full album lyrics together. For the newer song-by-song pages, head to Ambrosian Catechesis, Vol. 1: The Way of Preparation.
VOX001 says: “One song at a time? My robot filing cabinet approves.”
Released 12/12/2025
An album exploring the pre-baptism catechesis Augustine received at Ambrose’s church in Milan before his baptism in 387, tracing preparation through instruction, renunciation, and illumination.
Below are the full lyrics for all 12 tracks from Ambrosian Catechesis, Vol. 1: The Way of Preparation by Augustinus Vox, including “Noli Aemulari,” “Two Ways,” “Maker of Worlds,” “Spirit of Truth,” and “Springtime at the Dawn of the World.”
Tracklist
- Noli Aemulari
- Two Ways
- The Scrutinies
- Maker of Worlds
- One Lord, One Christ
- Spirit of Truth
- The Handing Over
- Ambrosian Creed
- Renounce
- The Just Man
- Blessed Are the Pure
- Springtime at the Dawn of the World
Noli Aemulari
In the quiet of the morning,
when my heart begins to rise,
I see shadows of the proud ones
slipping out behind their lies.
I have walked that road of envy,
chasing crowns that never stay—
but a whisper in the silence
calls me toward a brighter way.
Turn my eyes from the restless fire,
from the anger in the street.
Teach my soul a steadier rhythm,
let my bitterness retreat.
I don’t need the praise of the fading night—
I want the peace that holds the light.
Noli aemulari—
let the wicked go their way.
I will trust in the One who keeps me,
I will stand when the storms betray.
Noli aemulari—
I will quiet my trembling heart.
For the gentle road is stronger still,
and the righteous never fall apart.
When the voices of the frantic
try to draw me into chase,
I remember who is guiding,
I remember who gives grace.
All the noise of hollow victories,
all the fury and the fight—
cannot steal the hope within me,
cannot dim the rising light.
Noli aemulari—
let the wicked go their way.
I will trust in the One who keeps me,
I will stand when the storms betray.
Noli aemulari—
I will quiet my trembling heart.
For the gentle road is stronger still,
and the righteous never fall apart.
I will dwell in the land of mercy,
feed on faithfulness again.
I will wait for the dawn of justice,
I will walk where the peace begins.
And when envy calls me backward,
I will choose the higher flame—
for the meek inherit glory,
and the humble bear His name.
Noli aemulari—
let the wicked go their way.
I will trust in the One who keeps me,
I will stand when the storms betray.
Noli aemulari—
I will quiet my trembling heart.
For the gentle road is stronger still,
and the righteous never fall apart.
Two Ways
There’s a path that winds in shadow,
and a path that walks in light.
Every soul must stand between them
when the day divides the night.
I have felt the pull of darkness,
heard the laughter in its call—
but the root that drinks from mercy
is the one that will not fall.
Blessed is the one who lingers
where the words of wisdom stay,
planting hope beside the river
that will carry fear away.
Two ways stand before me,
only one will lead me home.
One is dust and fading footsteps,
one is life in fields of gold.
Two ways rise within me—
teach my trembling heart to choose
where the righteous find their gladness,
where the wicked’s schemes refuse.
Not a seat among the scoffers,
not a road that bends to pride—
but a heartbeat shaped by goodness
like a tree the storms can’t hide.
When the wind of judgment passes,
only truth will still remain;
all the chaff the world has trusted
scatters into dust again.
Two ways stand before me,
only one will lead me home.
One is dust and fading footsteps,
one is life in fields of gold.
Two ways rise within me—
teach my trembling heart to choose
where the righteous find their gladness,
where the wicked’s schemes refuse.
Let my footsteps walk in brightness,
let my roots in stillness grow.
Let my song be shaped by mercy
from the river’s endless flow.
Two ways stand before me,
only one will lead me home.
One is dust and fading footsteps,
one is life in fields of gold.
Two ways rise within me—
teach my trembling heart to choose
where the righteous find their gladness,
where the weary find their truth.
The Scrutinies
Search me…
try me…
see what lives within.
Cleanse me…
free me…
let the light begin.
Cleanse me…
free me…
let the light begin.
Lay bare my hidden shadows…
call out every fear.
Lay bare my hidden shadows…
call out every fear.
Cleanse me…
free me…
let the light begin.
Maker of Worlds
Before the dawn had spoken,
before the deep had stirred,
Your breath moved on the waters,
Your voice became the first word.
Light rose from silent nothing,
breaking fear and breaking night.
Day by day the world awakened
as creation learned Your light.
Stars were hung in quiet splendor,
oceans gathered where You led;
every living thing was shaped
by the words Your power said.
Maker of worlds—
You speak and glory rises.
Maker of worlds—
the darkness breaks, the day surprises.
Maker of worlds—
my heart is waking too.
Maker of worlds—
let Your light make all things new.
From the dust You called the gardens,
from the wind You formed the skies.
Every boundary, every season,
carried wisdom in Your eyes.
When the morning sang together,
when the newborn mountains stood,
all the heavens bowed in wonder
at a world You named as good.
Maker of worlds—
You speak and glory rises.
Maker of worlds—
the darkness breaks, the day surprises.
Maker of worlds—
my heart is waking too.
Maker of worlds—
let Your light make all things new.
Form me like the ancient morning,
shape me with the hands of grace.
As You ordered all creation,
bring Your order to this place.
Maker of worlds—
You speak and glory rises.
Maker of worlds—
the darkness breaks, the day surprises.
Maker of worlds—
my heart is waking too.
Maker of worlds—
let Your light make all things new.
One Lord, One Christ
Before the ages opened,
before the stars could shine,
the Word was with the Father—
eternal, one, divine.
No shadow in His glory,
no lesser light or name;
the radiance of the Father
in perfect, equal flame.
He walked the road of mercy,
He wore our human frame—
yet heaven never dimmed Him,
and earth could not contain.
One Lord, one Christ—
the brightness of the Father’s light.
One Lord, one Christ—
the truth that stands against the night.
One Lord, one Christ—
no power can divide His throne.
One Lord, one Christ—
the Son who makes the Father known.
He came in humble weakness,
yet all things through Him stand;
the Word who shaped creation
now touched with human hands.
No creature born from nothing,
no lesser made degree—
the Son is ever with Him,
the Lord of majesty.
One Lord, one Christ—
the brightness of the Father’s light.
One Lord, one Christ—
the truth that stands against the night.
One Lord, one Christ—
no power can divide His throne.
One Lord, one Christ—
the Son who makes the Father known.
Light from light eternal,
truth from truth the ages praise—
You took our mortal burden,
You rose in endless days.
One Lord, one Christ—
the brightness of the Father’s light.
One Lord, one Christ—
the truth that stands against the night.
One Lord, one Christ—
no power can divide His throne.
One Lord, one Christ—
the Son who makes the Father known.
Spirit of Truth
Like a whisper on the water,
like a breath that breaks the night…
You move where hearts are open,
You speak where fear has grown.
You guide the weary pilgrim
to a truth that’s not their own.
No shadow can deceive You,
no lie can stand the flame—
the world may doubt Your power,
but Your wind still calls my name.
Spirit of truth—
come and shine through the dark of the mind.
Spirit of truth—
every secret You gently unwind.
Spirit of truth—
lift the veil that keeps us blind.
Spirit of truth—
steady every trembling mind.
You hovered over chaos,
You breathed on ancient seas.
You stirred the hearts of prophets
with the fire that sets them free.
Come shape my wandering vision,
come cleanse the thoughts within;
let every cloud of error
be undone where You begin.
Spirit of truth—
come and shine through the dark of the mind.
Spirit of truth—
every secret You gently unwind.
Spirit of truth—
lift the veil that keeps us blind.
Spirit of truth—
steady every trembling mind.
Lead me where the light is clearer,
teach me how Your wisdom sees.
Every step becomes a promise
when You move the heart to peace.
Spirit of truth—
come and shine through the dark of the mind.
Spirit of truth—
every secret You gently unwind.
Spirit of truth—
lift the veil that keeps us blind.
Spirit of truth—
steady every trembling mind.
The Handing Over
In the hush before the altar,
as the ancient words are raised…
A treasure from the fathers,
a flame that does not die—
the creed that shaped the ages,
the faith we hold on high.
Not written on the parchment,
but carried in the soul,
the promise of the kingdom,
the truth that makes us whole.
This is the handing over—
the light that will not fade.
This is the handing over—
the rock on which we’re made.
Hold it in your memory,
guard it in your heart.
This is the handing over—
the faith that sets us apart.
The Father ever-holy,
the Son in perfect light,
the Spirit clear as sunrise—
one glory, one delight.
These words become a shelter
when storms begin to rise,
a hope no fear can weaken,
a truth no doubt denies.
This is the handing over—
the light that will not fade.
This is the handing over—
the rock on which we’re made.
Hold it in your memory,
guard it in your heart.
This is the handing over—
the faith that sets us apart.
Let these words be like an anchor,
let them steady every breath;
let them shine through every shadow,
guide my steps through life and death.
This is the handing over—
the light that will not fade.
This is the handing over—
the rock on which we’re made.
Hold it in your memory,
guard it in your heart.
This is the handing over—
the faith that sets us apart.
Ambrosian Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty.
And I believe in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Son of God,
true God,
one from the Father,
Light from Light,
the One through whom all things were made.
Let faith rise out of love,
the love that makes us whole;
for love will guard the truth
and never dim the soul.
Born of the Holy Spirit,
born from the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate;
He was crucified, died, and was buried.
On the third day He rose from the dead.
He ascended into heaven;
He sits at the right hand of the Father.
He is coming again
to judge the living and the dead.
Let faith rise out of love,
the love that makes us whole;
for love will guard the truth
and never dim the soul.
I believe in the Holy Spirit.
I believe in the holy Church.
I believe in the forgiveness of sins.
I believe in the resurrection of the flesh.
I believe in life everlasting.
Let faith rise out of love,
the love that makes us whole;
for love will guard the truth
and never dim the soul.
Renounce
Do you renounce the shadows?
(I renounce…)
(I renounce…)
Do you turn from every darkness,
every lie that held you bound?
(I renounce…)
(I renounce…)
(I turn toward the light—)
(I turn toward the dawn.)
Do you leave the fading kingdom
for the kingdom that will stand?
(I renounce…)
(I renounce…)
(I turn toward the light—)
(I turn toward the dawn.)
The Just Man
Blessed is the one who waits in hope,
who trusts when night is long.
Blessed is the heart that leans on truth,
and walks the road made strong.
No boast upon his lips today,
no pride to lead him wrong—
he stands upon the quiet rock,
where mercy is his song.
The just man walks in stillness,
the just man walks in light.
He holds the hand of mercy
through the turning of the night.
The just man finds his refuge
where the weary fear is gone—
the humble rise in courage,
and the faithful carry on.
Blessed is the one who knows the pit,
yet knows the lifted hand—
who waited for the Lord to come,
and learned to trust His plan.
His steps are shaped by kindness now,
his path by truth alone;
the world may shift beneath his feet,
but peace becomes his home.
The just man walks in stillness,
the just man walks in light.
He holds the hand of mercy
through the turning of the night.
The just man finds his refuge
where the weary fear is gone—
the humble rise in courage,
and the faithful carry on.
Teach my heart that quiet strength,
that steady, grateful mind—
to wait for You in patience,
and leave my fear behind.
The just man walks in stillness,
the just man walks in light.
He holds the hand of mercy
through the turning of the night.
The just man finds his refuge
where the weary fear is gone—
the humble rise in courage,
and the faithful carry on.
Blessed Are the Pure
Blessed are the hearts made open,
blessed are the eyes that see—
those who chase no fading glory,
those whom quiet truth sets free.
In a world of restless fire,
You have shown a gentler flame;
purity that shines with courage,
love that bears a holy name.
Blessed are the pure in spirit,
blessed are the ones who stand
with a light that will not falter,
with a hope that does not bend.
Blessed are the pure in longing,
blessed are the heart’s desire—
for the ones who seek Your radiance
see the One their hearts require.
Blessed are the humble choices,
blessed every guarded sigh—
when the faithful turn from shadows,
lifting tearful trust on high.
Not by strength and not by striving,
not by any earthly pride—
purity is born of mercy,
born of You who sanctifies.
Blessed are the pure in spirit,
blessed are the ones who stand
with a light that will not falter,
with a hope that does not bend.
Blessed are the pure in longing,
blessed are the heart’s desire—
for the ones who seek Your radiance
see the One their hearts require.
Shape my vision, make it steady;
clear my thoughts, renew my sight.
Lead me where the heart grows quiet,
teach me how to walk in light.
Blessed are the pure in spirit,
blessed are the ones who stand
with a light that will not falter,
with a hope that does not bend.
Blessed are the pure in longing,
blessed are the heart’s desire—
for the ones who seek Your radiance
see the One their hearts require.
Springtime at the Dawn of the World
Morning rose on fields unbroken,
Earth awoke without a scar—
Spring was written in creation,
Heaven’s breath the guiding star.
Grass and fruit and budding wonder
Bloomed beneath the Maker’s hand—
Like a promise for the ages,
Life emerging from the land.
And the season told the story
Of the world He called to rise…
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Light upon the waters,
Grace upon the ground.
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Hope began its growing,
Life became its sound.
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Morning in the heart of God unfurled.
Israel walked from chains to freedom,
Through the sea’s unfolding way—
Baptized in the cloud and mercy,
Born to light on that same day.
Every year the story echoes,
Every spring the truth returns—
He who shaped the world from nothing
Still renews the heart that burns.
Every life that leaves its Egypt
Feels the wind of God again…
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Light upon the waters,
Grace upon the ground.
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Hope began its growing,
Life became its sound.
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Every heart made new in freedom
Feels the spring within the skies.
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Heaven breathing kindness,
Earth receiving gold.
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Love that shaped creation,
Love that makes us whole.
Springtime at the dawn of the world—
Morning in the heart of God foretold.
