This will be the first of DAILY meditations I intend sharing with you while we are "apart" this Holy Week. Each meditation will be in two parts: lyrics of a hymn and, a couple of questions for your private reflection. Okay to share your reflection with me, thanks.
FOR MONDAY IN HOLY WEEK
Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended
Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended,
That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by Thine own rejected,
O most afflicted.
Who was the guilty- Who brought this upon Thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee.
'Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee!
I crucified Thee.
Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;
For our atonement, while we nothing heeded,
God interceded.
For me, kind Jesus, was Thine incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and Thy life's oblation;
Thy death of anguish and Thy bitter passion,
For my salvation.
Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee,
I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee,
Think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving,
Not my deserving.
Words: Johann Heerman (1585-1647; tr. Robert Seymour Bridges (1844-1930)
Please, see Hymn #158 of the 1982 Hymnal for music
1. What in this hymn strengthens your faith at this time?
2. What in this hymn challenges your faith at this time?
Fr. Vincent
stmarypalms.org
