God hid amidst Thine own
Thursday, 06 February 2014 20:31
Dom Benedict and I translated from the Latin this Matins hymn from the Office of Reparation given in the Mectildian Propers of the Benedictine breviary. The Office and Votive Mass of Reparation are celebrated on the first Thursday of every month whenever the rubrics permit.
Hymn at Matins of the Office of Reparation
Nunc te flebilibus
[Anonymous, 17th c.--"What is there that I ought to do more to my vineyard, that I have not done to it? was it that I looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it hath brought forth wild grapes?"--Isaias 5]
1. O thou who art our Joy, our tender Grace and Rest,
God hid amidst thine own, the end of all our quest,
Thou Bread and Cup of Saints, receive our psalms and tears,
O hidden God, O silent Word.
2. Alas! while heaven outpours true Manna, living Bread,
The hearts of men grow cold, in shades amidst the dead,
No gratefulness, no praise to welcome thy descent,
O God, forsaken by thine own!
3. Ah! hath he so deserved? Hath he not given thee,
O thou his Vineyard dear, his love most tenderly?
For clustered grapes he looks, and lo! a tangle wild
Of bitter leaves and wood he finds!
4. Blasphemers circle ’round, with fangs of hatred bared,
To pierce with cruel words the Lamb in thorns ensnared,
Betrayed and sold again, his Passion still unfolds
In sacrilege and treachery.
5. Upon thine altars shine, O long desiréd King,
With radiance all divine and healing in thy wings;
O everlasting Love, reveal thy hidden Face,
That men may own thee, and adore.
6. Zeal for thy House profaned by men so wantonly,
Consumes our heart and soul, O gracious Trinity;
Open to us that House ne’er stained by evil’s blight,
Where Saints with thee abide in light. Amen.