It is not easy for me to slow down, to pause and really think about what Jesus went through on my behalf. It is hard. It can be painful – to focus on pausing, on really taking in what Jesus went through—for me and for you.

Here is a hymn, a meditation, that brings me there, to the foot of the cross. It shines a mirror on my sin; then on the incredible love and sacrifice of my Lord and Savior.
O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,

Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, your only crown:

How pale you are with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!

How does that visage languish which once was bright as morn!

 

What you, O Lord, have suffered was all for sinner’s gain;

Mine, mine was the transgression, but yours the deadly pain.

Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ‘Tis I deserve your place;

Look on me with your favor, vouchsafe to me your grace.

 

What language shall I borrow to thank you, dearest friend,

For this your dying sorrow, your pity without end?

O make me yours forever; and should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for thee.

Bernard of Clairvaux

– Carol Dieball

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