Passion Progress

Tune: Passion Chorale

('O sacred head, now wounded')

Luke 23 v.26-46 parts

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On way to crucifixion

They laid hold on Simon

Caused him to Jesus' cross bear

On that passion road share

And company lamenting

Their woes they there did bring

Bemoaning and bewailing

No joyful tunes did sing

 

But Jesus said, You daughters

You are my besoughters

Though weep not for me, but weep

For yourselves, mourning keep

And for you children, for see

The days coming, they be

When they shall say, Blessed barren

The childless among men

 

Then shall they say to mountains

Fall on us, and in dens

We shall hide ourselves, and hills

Cover us, shield from ills

For if they here are doing

In a green tree such things*

What shall be done in dry times?

Disruptions of life's rhymes

 

When crucified, Jesus' prayer

Even forgiveness there

For such know not what they do

He forgives me and you

And to the thief penitent

Who was true repentant

Jesus' paradise promised

With Him, eternal bliss

 

Then fearful noontide darkness

Three hours long, no less

Sun darkened, temple's veil torn

Christ, sins of world has borne

And then He with a loud voice

He commended, His choice

His spirit to Father's hands

Then died to save all lands

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* The 'green tree' reference appears in Luke.  

It seems terrible as those days were, it was days of a tree with

green leaves. Jesus asks what will happen in the 'dry times' when

the tree has no leaves - an indication of even worse things to come?