Mission of St. Clare logo Ah, holy Jesus

Ah, Holy Jesus, how have you offended,
that we to judge you have in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by your own rejected,
O most afflicted.

Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon you?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, has undone you.
'Twas I, dear Jesus, I it was denied you:
I crucified you.

Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
the slave has sinned, and the Child has suffered;
for our atonement, while we nothing heeded,
God interceded.

For me kind Jesus, was your incarnation,
your mortal sorrow, and your life's oblation;
your death of anguish and your bitter passion,
for my salvation.

Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay you,
I do adore you, and will ever pray you,
think on your pity and your love unswerving,
not my deserving.

Words: Johann Heermann
Music: Johann Cruger
Arrangement: John Ferguson
Choir: Choir of the First United Methodist Church, Wichita Falls, Texas