February 2, 2005

Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153
Translated by Ray Palmer, 1808-1887

      These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11.    

    This song is another of the fine hymn texts that originated during the Middle Ages. It is thought to have been written by a monk -- one of the most prominent religious leaders of his day. An important part of the medieval church was the role of the monks and their monasteries. Since these churchmen were among the few who could read and write, their institutions became powerful influences in shaping the religious and cultural development of Western civilization.
    Bernard’s father Tecelin was a knight and vassal of the Duke of Burgundy. Bernard was educated at Chatillon, where he was distinguished by his studious and meditative habits. He entered the monastery of Citeaux (the first Cistercian institution) in 1113. Two years later, he was sent, with 12 other monks, to found a daughter monastery in the Valley of Wormwood, about four miles from the Abbey of La Ferté, on the Aube. He rose to eminence in Church politics, and became embroiled in the papal schisms of the 12th Century. His influence was felt throughout Europe. It is said that he commanded kings, emperors, and prelates -- and they obeyed him. He was well known in Rome, and founded 163 monasteries throughout Europe.
    Bernard was a man of exceptional piety and spiritual vitality. Martin Luther, 400 years later, called him, “the best monk that ever lived, whom I admire beyond all the rest put together.”
    Bernard wrote a number of books, chiefly on such subjects as church government, monasticism and other church-related topics. It is generally agreed that he wrote a long 192-line poem titled, Jesu dulcis memoria (Joyful Rhythm on the Name of Jesus). In 1858 Ray Palmer, an American Congregational preacher, translated from the Latin a portion of this medieval poem attributed to Bernard for the hymn Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts. This hymn text aptly describes the preciousness of Christ in each believer's life.
    Hymns by Bernard of Clairvaux include:

• Jesu dulcis memoria
  • Jesu, Thy Mercies Are Untold
  • Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
  • Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts
  • O Hope of Every Contrite Heart
  • Of Him Who Did Salvation Bring
• Salve caput cruentatum
  • O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
  • Rai Couvert de Blessures
• Wide Open Are Thy Hands

Jesus, Thou Joy of loving hearts,
Thou Fount of life, Thou Light of men,
From the best bliss that earth imparts,
We turn unfilled to Thee again.

Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood;
Thou savest those that on Thee call;
To them that seek Thee Thou art good,
To them that find Thee all in all.

We taste Thee, O Thou living Bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still;
We drink of Thee, the Fountainhead,
And thirst our souls from Thee to fill.

Our restless spirits yearn for Thee,
Wherever our changeful lot is cast;
Glad when Thy gracious smile we see,
Blessed when our faith can hold Thee fast.

O Jesus, ever with us stay,
Make all our moments calm and bright;
Chase the dark night of sin away,
Shed over the world Thy holy light.