Adoramus Te, Christe

One of my best friends lost his wife this past weekend. Her whole life she had a disease of the immune system, and she wasn't expected to live past childhood. She made it well into her thirties. Because of this disease, she wasn't able to bear children; after almost ten years of marriage, they decided to adopt a young orphan girl from Russia named Sasha. They had brought Sasha home only a few short months ago. Then Jenny took sick last week and passed away in the hospital on Saturday morning.

Like everyone else, Allison and I were/are heartbroken. I'm hoping to fly out in another week or two just to spend a few days with Matt. My grief is nothing compared to his, of course, but still I hurt for my friend and his young daughter for whom I'm certain that life is about to become very, very difficult. As I've been thinking and praying the past couple days, the ancient Catholic hymn has been flowing through my soul:


Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi
Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You
Because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

[http://www.feastofsaints.com/adoramuste.htm]


The lyric is from an antiphon for Good Friday. The music is full of sorrow, with only a single triumphant moment. May light perpetual shine on you, Jenny. We say good-bye, believing in faith that when Jesus comes again there will be no more goodbyes.