Ancient Hymn 1
Which of today’s songs will be still around in 100 years? 500 years?
This morning a nine-centuries-old hymn lifted my heart (again).
Jesus, the joy of loving hearts,
true source of life, our lives sustain:
from the best bliss that earth imparts
we turn unfilled to you again. (verse 1)
Why, I wonder to myself, is it still meaningful and helpful after so many generations? I decide it must be because it speaks to our inner being, about the joy Jesus brings to us when we realize that things of this creation leave us unfulfilled.
Our restless spirits long for you,
whichever way our lot is cast,
glad when your gracious smile we view,
blessed when our faith can hold you fast. (verse 4)
This is reminiscent of St. Augustine’s famous 4th century words: You [Lord Jesus] have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You.
Coffee/tea thought: My restless spirit indeed longs for You, Lord Jesus.
John
More: Bernard of Clairvaux, Twelfth-century Latin hymn (transl. by R. Palmer, 1858)
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/t/jthoujoy.htm
Chinese Version: Ancient Hymn 1
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