One o'clock Hymn: Good Friday

To mock your reign, O dearest Lord, they made a crown of thorns; set you with taunts along that road from which no one returns. They did not know, as we do now, that glorious is your crown; that thorns would flower upon your brow, your sorrows heal our own.

In mock acclaim, O gracious Lord, they snatched a purple cloak, your passion turned, for all they cared, into a soldier's joke. They did not know, as we do now, that though we merit blame you will your robe of mercy throw around our naked shame.

A sceptered reed, O patient Lord, they thrust into your hand, and acted out their grim charade to its appointed end. They did not know, as we do now, though empires rise and fall, your Kingdom shall not cease to grow till love embraces all.

(Hymnal 1982, 170)