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| 3rd Century Mosaic: Christ as Sol Invictus - Courtesy Wikipedia |
Jesus, the Sun of Ransomed Earth is a translation by
Monsignor Ronald A. Knox (1888 - 1957) of the 6th century Latin hymn:
Iam, Christe, Sol Iustitiae, traditionally sung at Lauds during Lent before Holy Week. In accordance with the reforms of
Pope Urban VIII, in the 17th century it was revised and re-titled:
O Sol Salutis, Initimis. In the Divine Office (1974),
Jesus, the Sun of Ransomed Earth is one of the suggested hymns for Lent, with the added note that it is "more suitable for Morning Payer". The Office recommends it be sung to the tune:
O Invidenda Martyrum, a Dijon Church Melody. An alternative tune that can also be used is
Duke Street, as featured in the following video.
Alternative Tune: Duke Street
IAM, CHRISTI, SOL IUSTITIAE
1. Iam, Christe, sol iustitiae,
mentis dehiscant tenebrae,
virtutum ut lux redeat,
terris diem cum reparas.
2. Dans tempus acceptabile
et paenitens cor tribue,
convertat ut benignitas
quos longa suffert pietas.
3. Quiddamque paenitentiae
da ferre, quo fit demptio,
maiore tuo munere,
culparum quamvis grandium.
4. Dies venit, dies tua,
per quam reflorent omnia;
laetemur in hac ut tuae
per hanc reducti gratiae.
5. Te rerum universitas,
clemens, adoret, Trinitas,
et nos novi per veniam
novum canamus canticum.
O SOL SALUTIS, INITIMIS
1. O sol salutis, initimis,
Jesu, refulge mentibus,
Dum, nocte pulsa, gratior
Orbi dies renascitur.
2. Dans tempus acceptabile,
Da lacrimarum rivulis
Lavare cordis victimam,
Quam laeta adurat caritas.
3. Qua fonte manavit nefas,
Fluent perennes lacrimae,
Si virga poenitentiae
Cordis rigorem conterat.
4. Dies venit, dies tua,
In qua reflorent omnia:
Laetemur et nos, in viam
Tua reducti dextera.
5. Te prona mundi machina,
Clemens, adoret, Trinitas,
Et nos novi per gratiam
Novum canamus canticum.
