The Mystery of Lent

 
 "And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards He was hungry."--Matt. iv. 2



Now with the slow revolving year,
 Again the fast we greet,
 Which in mystic circle moves
 Of forty days complete.
 "Much have we sinned, O Lord! and still
 We sin each day we live;
 Yet pour Thy pity from on high,
 And of Thy grace forgive.
 
That fast by law and prophets taught,
 By Jesus Christ restored;
 Jesus, of seasons and of times
 The Maker and the Lord.
 Remember that we still are Thine,
 Though of a fallen frame;
 And take not from us in Thy wrath
 The glory of Thy name.
 
Henceforth more sparing let us be
 Of food, of words, of sleep;
 Henceforth beneath a stricter guard
 The roving senses keep.
 Undo past evil; grant us, Lord,
 More grace to do aright;
 So may we now and ever find
 Acceptance in Thy sight."  
And let us shun whatever things
 Distract the careless heart;
 And let us shut the soul against
 The tyrant tempter's art;
 Blessed Trinity in Unity!
 Vouchsafe us, in Thy love,
 To gather from these fasts below
 Immortal fruit above. Amen
 
And weep before the Judge, and strive,
 His vengeance to appease;
 Saying to Him with contrite voice,
 Upon our bended knees: