“Christ Embracing St Bernard of Clairvaux” art by Francisco Ribalta (1625-27)  Museo del Prado  Madrid, Spain

❤

Jesu, highest Heaven’s completeness,
Name of music to the ear,
To the lips surpassing sweetness,
Wine the fainting heart to cheer.

Eating Thee, the soul may hunger,
Drinking, still athirst may be;
But for Earthly food no longer,
Nor for any steam but Thee.

Jesu, all delight exceeding,
Only hope of heart distrest;
Weeping eyes and spirit mourning
Find in Thee a place of rest.

Stay, O Beauty uncreated,
Ever ancient, ever new;
Banish deeds of darkness hated,
With Thy sweetness all bedew.

Jesu, fairest blossom springing
From a maiden ever pure,
May our lips Thy praise be singing
While eternal years endure.

~ A poem by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux