Holy Week Hymn #5
In THE CRUCIFIXION by John Stainer, there are a few marvelous hymns of reflection at strategic intervals throughout the course of the story line. Though the work has been panned as being less than artistic by musical critics, it remains a standard Holy Week work, and the lyrics of the hymns provide thoughtful reflection still today. The following is the fifth of the hymns, with a profound title…FOR THE LOVE OF JESUS. Please reflect as Holy Week begins.
Words: William John Sparrow-Simpson, 1887
FOR THE LOVE OF JESUS
All for Jesus - all for Jesus,
This our song shall ever be;
For we have no hope, now Saviour,
If we have not hope in thee.
All for Jesus - thou wilt give us
Strength to serve thee hour by hour;
None can move us from thy presence,
While we trust thy love and power.
All for Jesus - at thine altar
Thou wilt give us sweet content;
There, dear Lord, we shall receive thee
In the solemn Sacrament.
All for Jesus - thou hast loved us;
All for Jesus - thou hast died;
All for Jesus - thou art with us;
All for Jesus crucified,
All for Jesus - all for Jesus –
This the Church’s song must be;
Till, at last, her sons are gathered
One in love and one in thee.
Amen