Ah, Holy Jesus, how have thou offended,
that we to judge thee have in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by thine own rejected,
O most afflicted.
Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, has undone thee.
'Twas I, dear Jesus, I it was denied thee:
I crucified thee.
Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
the slave has sinned, and the Child has suffered;
for our atonement, while we nothing heeded,
God interceded.
For me kind Jesus, was thy incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and thy life's oblation;
thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion,
for my salvation.
Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee,
I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee,
think on thy pity and thy love unswerving,
not my deserving.
Amen.
Words: Johann Heermann | Music: Johann Cruger