Lenten Literature

Some reading material I hope to use this Lent:


A Confession Mirror (Beichtspiegel) " (free pdf download courtesy of Emmanuel Press.)  "A Beichtspiegel (confession mirror) is a tool used for reflection and self-examination in preparation for private confession and absolution or for the Divine Service."

When God Becomes My Enemy: The Theology of the Complaint Psalms

"A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth"
          by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676
                             

        1. A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth,
        The guilt of all men bearing;
        And laden with the sins of earth,
        None else the burden sharing!
        Goes patient on, grow weak and faint,
        To slaughter led without complaint,
        That spotless life to offer;
        Bears shame and stripes, and wounds and death,
        Anguish and mockery, and saith,
        "Willing all this I suffer."

        2. This Lamb is Christ, the soul's great Friend,
        The Lamb of God, our Savior;
        Him God the Father chose to send
        To gain for us His favor.
        "Go forth, My Son," the Father saith,
        "And free men from the fear of death,
        From guilt and condemnation.
        The wrath and stripes are hard to bear,
        But by Thy Passion men shall share
        The fruit of Thy salvation."

        3. "Yea, Father, yea, most willingly
        I'll bear what Thou commandest;
        My will conforms to Thy decree,
        I do what Thou demandest."
        O wondrous Love, what hast Thou done!
        The Father offers up His Son!
        The Son, content, descendeth!
        O Love, how strong Thou art to save!
        Thou beddest Him within the grave
        Whose word the mountains rendeth.

        4. From morn till eve my theme shall be
        Thy mercy's wondrous measure;
        To sacrifice myself for Thee
        Shall be my aim and pleasure.
        My stream of life shall ever be
        A current flowing ceaselessly,
        Thy constant praise outpouring.
        I'll treasure in my memory,
        O Lord, all Thou hast done for me,
        Thy gracious love adoring.

        5. Of death I am no more afraid,
        New life from Thee is flowing;
        Thy cross affords me cooling shade
        When noonday's sun is glowing.
        When by my grief I am opprest,
        On Thee my weary soul shall rest
        Serenely as on pillows.
        Thou art my Anchor when by woe
        My bark is driven to and fro
        On trouble's surging billows.

        6. And when Thy glory I shall see
        And taste Thy kingdom's pleasure,
        Thy blood my royal robe shall be,
        My joy beyond all measure.
        When I appear before Thy throne,
        Thy righteousness shall be my crown,-
        With these I need not hide me.
        And there, in garments richly wrought
        As Thine own bride, I shall be brought
        To stand in joy beside Thee.