Feb. 16 – At the feet of Jesus

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