Jesu Dulcis Memoria
1. Jesus, the very thought of Thee,
With sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far Thy Face to see
And in Thy presence rest.
2. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest Name,
O Saviour of mankind!
3. O Hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art,
How good to those who seek.
4. My tongue and words cannot express,
Their usefulness is low
But having felt is to believe,
sweet Jesus' love to know.
5. Jesus, our only joy be Thou,
As Thou our prize wilt be;
O Jesus, be our glory now
And through eternity.
Amen.
Click here for the Latin lyrics.
This is the Vespers hymn for the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. It has the sentiments of one who would choose Jesus over all other joys, because they have experienced His sweetness. "O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man who hopeth in Him" (Ps. 33:9). Since words fail to express how ardently a devout soul loves his Lord and Master, the accompanying melody helps a bit. It is beautiful, and is worthy of such sublime lyrics.
This is also sung at Benediction, being a hymn of Our Lord.
This is found on the following CD(s):
Chant Compendium 1.
Return to Gregorian Chant Lyrics page
