A HYMN FOR THE 12th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
O dearest Lord, what law hast Thou e’er broken
That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?Of what misdeed hast Thou to make confession— What dark transgression? |
They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite, they scourge Thee;
With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Thee;They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry Thee; They crucify Thee. |
What punishment so strange is suffered yonder?
The shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander; The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him, Who would not know Him. |
The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;
The sinful child of man may live in gladness; Man forfeited His life and is acquitted— God is committed. |
O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory!
How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story?How shall I find some worthy gift to proffer? What dare I offer? |
I’ll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing;
That earth’s vain joys no more to me be pleasing;To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor Henceforth forever.
By Jean de Fecamp, 11th century,
translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1863
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