Sunday Reflection: Peter Abelard – on the atonement

I ran across this writing by Peter Abelard- On the Atonement in my literary travels this week. It stuck with me so I thought I would post it.

Alone thou goest forth, O Lord, in sacrifice to die;

Is this thy sorrow naught to us who pass unheeding by?

Our sins, not thine, thou bearest, Lord; make us thy sorrow feel,

Till through our pity and our shame love answers love’s appeal.

This is earth’s darkest hour, but thou dost light and life restore;

Then let all praise be given thee who livest evermore.

Grant us with thee to suffer pain that, as we share this hour,

Thy cross may bring us to thy joy and resurrection power.