April 03, 2023

“Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted”

This hymn is the last of the “7 Latin Meditations on the Crucifixion” written by Bernard of Clairveaux.  (1090-1153).  Each meditation is a complete hymn; they address in turn the feet, knees, side, breast, heart, and face of Christ on the cross.  Paul Gerhart (1607-76) wrote 123 hymns, fourteen of them on the Passion of Christ; and he is the author of the German translation of this hymn, and it’s changes as we sing it today.  Writing during the Thirty Years War (1618-48), this painful time was also a time of Scriptural / Confessional fervor.  
Vs. 1 addresses the Head wound of Christ received in the Praetorium, where He was clothed in a scarlet robe and struck on the head.  
Vs. 2 contemplates how sad it is that so strong a face should have become so pale and full of anguish.  It’s vigor has been lost, it’s brightness gone, and impending death is beginning to take it’s toll. 
Vs. 3 explains that this was for a fallen world that needed to be redeemed.  
Vs. 4 leads to a deepening expression of faith.  The dying shepherd whose “lips” had so often fed His sheep now lays down His life for them.
Vs. 5 searches for the words to express the gratitude that has begun to surface in verse four.  Jesus is now addressed as “dearest friend.”  

O Sacred head now wounded, with grief and shame laid down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown.
O sacred head what glory, what bliss, till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

LSB 450