Israel is obstinate in recognizing their Redeemer. In vain do the Prophets tell them that 'a Lamb is to be sent forth, who shall be King of the earth; that he shall come from the desert to the mount of the daughter of Sion.' (Isa. xvi, I) Satan, too, and his wicked angels, had scoffed at this Lamb; they had despised Him, as being too meek and humble to be dreaded; and when they saw Him shedding His Blood on the Cross, a shout of exultation rang through the regions of hell. But what was their dismay, when they saw this Lamb descending like a lion into limbo, and setting free from their bondage the countless prisoners of the four thousand previous years? And, after this returning to our earth, and inviting all mankind to receive 'the liberty of the glory of the children of God'.
O Jesus! how terrible is thy Passover to thine enemies! but how glorious for them that serve Thee! The people of Israel feared it not, because their houses were marked with the blood of the figurative lamb. We are more favored than they: our Lamb is the Lamb of God, and thy Blood is signed, not upon our dwellings, but upon our souls. Thy Prophet foretold the great mystery when He said that on the day of thy vengeance upon Jerusalem, they would be spared whose foreheads should be marked with the Tau. (Ezech. ix, 6) Israel despised the prophecy, which is our joy. The Tau is the sign of thy Cross, dear Jesus! It is thy Cross that shields, and protects, and gladdens us in this Pasch of thy Passover, wherein thy anger is all for thine enemies, and thy blessings all for us! (This sign is the crossing we do when we make 'the sign of the Cross on ourselves)
The following is a Preface, taken from the Roman-French missal of the Middle Ages. It was a favorite Easter hymn with the people of those days; and though somewhat unpolished, is full of vigor. It is very smooth, melodious and expressive. I like it, so, therefore, it is here.
Sequence: Now shines through the world the bright fair day, whereupon are triumphantly told the splendid combats of Christ.
He gloriously conquered the haughty enemy, and routed his most wicked hosts.
Unhappy sin of Eve, whereby we were all deprived of life! Happy the fruit of Mary, whereon we all now feed together!
Blessed be the noble Queen, the Mother of the King, who robbed hell of its prey, and now reigns in heaven above.
O eternal King! graciously receive the hymns we devoutly sing to thee.
Thou sittest on the right hand of thy Father.
Universal Conqueror! thou didst vanquish death, and enter into the joys of heaven.
O mercy of Christ! how great, how sublime, how beautiful, how sweet, how tender art thou!
Praise, honour and power be to thee didst lighten our heavy weight of old!
Purchased by the Blood of the infinitely merciful Lamb, the Church glitters with the ruby flowers of her redemption.
He who by His mighty power washed away our sins, loads us with precious gifts.
Bewildered in my admiration of this day's wonders, I am unworthy to proclaim its great mysteries.
Son of David! Child of the tribe of Juda! thou didst rise in glory, a lion in strength.
Thou wast seen on earth as a gentle lamb.
It was thou that in the beginning didst create the world.
Thou hast ascended to the kingdom above; and there thou mercifully rewardest the just with the rewards of everlasting joy.
Say, satan, thou wicked spirit, what now hath thy craft profited thee?
The victory of Christ has bound thee fast in fetters of fire.
O ye tribes and nations, be astounded! Who hath heard of miracles like these?
That death should so conquer death? That criminals should receive favour like unto this?
O incredulous Jew! hast thou no shame, that thou canst continue so?
See how the Christians rejoice, singing to the Redeemer their holy hymns.
Therefore, O Jesus, our merciful King! forgive us our sins, loosen our fetters.
Grant that thy elect may rise with thee to heavenly glory, and to their just merits give recompense. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment