Ah, Holy Jesus

(one verse introduction)

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.

Johann Heermann (16th C), words
Johann Cruger (16th C), music