Friday, April 6, 2012

The glory of the Cross




1. Abroad the Regal Banners fly,
Now shines the Cross's mystery;
Upon it Life did death endure,
And yet by death did life procure.

2. Who, wounded with a direful spear,
Did, purposely to wash us clear
From stain of sin, pour out a flood
Of precious Water mixed with Blood. 

3. That which the Prophet-King of old
Hath in mysterious verse foretold,
Is now accomplished, whilst we see
God ruling nations from a Tree. 

4. O lovely and reflugent Tree,
Adorned with purpled majesty;
Culled from a worthy stock, to bear
Those Limbs which sanctified were. 

5. Blest Tree, whose happy branches bore
The wealth that did the world restore;
The beam that did that Body weigh
Which raised up hell's expected prey.

6. Hail, Cross, of hopes the most sublime!
Now in this mournful Passion time,
Improve religious souls in grace,
The sins of criminals efface.

7. Blest Trinity, salvation's spring,
May every soul Thy praises sing;
To those Thou grantest conquest by
The holy Cross, rewards apply. Amen.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Stabat Mater





The grieving Mother stood weeping beside the cross where her Son was hanging



Through her weeping soul, compassionate and grieving, a sword passed.




O how sad and afflicted was that blessed Mother of the Only-begotten!




Who mourned and grieved and trembled looking at the torment of her glorious Child




Who is the person who would not weep seeing the Mother of Christ in such agony?




Who would not be able to feel compassion on beholding Christ's Mother suffering with her Son?