(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
