Welcome to Hymn of the Month! This month's hymn is "Jerusalem the Golden." The text was written by Bernard of Cluny in the 12th century, and was translated into English by John Neale in the 19th century. It is a beautiful hymn that describes the glories of heaven.
Heaven is known by many names: the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, the City of Zion. It is the land of milk and honey, a place of eternal feasting. A place of jubilant songs and shouts of triumph! Here the angels and saints dwell in the eternal presense of God, the eternal light. It is the blessed country for which we all yearn, the land of rest and eternal bliss. All these glorious images of heaven are present in this jubilant hymn.
It is fitting to be singing of the glories of heaven at this time of year when we mark All Saints and All Souls days. November is a month when we celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have entered into glory. It is a time of hopeful anticipation that one day we too will join them in the eternal presence of God.
We will be singing this hymn throughout the month of November. Since this hymn is not included in our missalette, please be sure to pick up a copy of this hymn at the back of the church as you come to Mass.
1) Jerusalem the golden,
with milk and honey blest,
beneath thy contemplation
sink heart and voice oppressed:
I know not, oh, I know not,
what joys await us there;
what radiancy of glory,
what bliss beyond compare!
2) They stand, those halls of Zion,
all jubilant with song,
and bright with many an angel,
and all the martyr throng:
the Prince is ever in them,
the daylight is serene;
the pastures of the blessèd
are decked in glorious sheen.
3) There is the throne of David;
and there, from care released,
the shout of them that triumph,
the song of them that feast;
and they who with their Leader
have conquered in the fight,
for ever and for ever
are clad in robes of white.
4) Oh, sweet and blessèd country,
the home of God's elect!
Oh, sweet and blessèd country,
that eager hearts expect!
Jesus, in mercy bring us
to that dear land of rest,
who art, with God the Father,
and the Spirit, ever blest.