As A Mother With Her Children

A Song of St. Anselm

Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you;
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
Often you weep over our sins and our pride;
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds;
in sickness you nurse us,
and with pure milk you feed us.

Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life;
by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.
Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;
through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead;
your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us;
in your love and tenderness remake us.
In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness;
for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

—St. Anselm, 1033-1109