This Easter hymn is taken from the Roman-French Missal of the Middle Ages, was a favorite with the people of those days and provides us with a wonderful reflection on the Resurrection:
Now shines through the wold the bright fair day,
whereon are triumphantly told the splendid combats of Christ.
He gloriously conquered the haughty enemy,
and routed his most wicked hosts.
Unhappy sine of Eve, whereby we were all deprived of life!
Happy the fruit of Mary, whereon we are all now feed together!
Blessed the noble Queen, the mother of the King,
who robbed hell of its prey, and now reigns in heaven above.
O eternal King!
Graciously receive the hymns we devoutly sing to Thee.
Thou sittest on the right hand of the Father.
Universal Conqueror!
Thou didst vanquis death, and enter into the joys of heaven.
O mercy of Christ!
How great, how sublime, how beautiful, how sweet,
how tender art Thou!
Praise, honor and power
be to Thee that didst lighten our heavy weight of old!
Purchased by the Blood of the infinitely merciful Lamb,
the Church gltters with the ruby flowers of her redemption.
He who by his mighty power washed away our sins,
loads us with precious gifts.
Bewildered in my admiration of this day's wonders,
I am unworthy to proclaim its great mysteries.
Son of David! Child of the tribe of Judah!
Thou dids rise in glory, a lion in strength.
Thou wast seen on earth as a gentle lamb,
It was Thou that in the beginning didst create the world.
Thou hast asceded to the kingdom above:
And there Thou mercifully rewardest the just
with the rewards of everlasting joy.
Say, Satan, thou wicked spirit,
what now hath they craft profited thee?
The victory of Christ has bound thee fast
in fetters of fire.
O ye tribes and nations, be astounded!
Who hat heard of miracles like these?
That death should so conquer death?
That crimanals should receive favor like unto this?
Therefore, O Jesus, our merciful King!
Forgive us our sins, loosen our fetters.
Grant that they elect may rise with Thee to heavenly glory,
and to their just merits give recompense.
Amen.
Westminster , Maryland
From The Liturgical Year,
Paschal Time - Book I
(Fourth Edition)
Paschal Time - Book I
(Fourth Edition)
by Abbot Guéranger OSB
(Translated from the French
by Dom Laurence Shepherd OSB,
The Newman Press,
No comments:
Post a Comment