Easter Chorus

High upon a cross they raised you,
Laughed and mocked instead of praised you,
While you prayed for their souls’ eternal fate.

Held in place by nails your hands—
Which healed the sick by your command—
Did strain against your human body’s weight.

Lord of all with no beginning,
As your human life was ending
Your blessed Mother pure to us you gave.

Gasping, choking for each breath,
You gave your spirit up to death,
And then were sealed up lifeless in a cave.

“O broken hearts, be not afraid,
For from this tomb where I was laid
I shall reveal the love our Father gives!

“I’ve conquered hopeless death’s division
That veiled the beatific vision.
Rejoice and know your Savior ever lives!

“Have hope, for I make all things new.
For this I gave my life for you—
That death shall lose its life-depriving power!”

So join as one in joyful chorus:
“Sing alleluia to Christ victorious!
Through His death, forever-life is ours!”

By Natalie Hoefer

(Natalie Hoefer is a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis.) †

The Criterion