Maundy Thursday: Processional: Durham Hymnal

This hymn is a processional hymn for Mass on Maundy Thursday but it is not clear exactly how it was used. It is probably too early to have been used for the procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose, although it could have been connected with the foot washing.

YMNUS IN CAENA DOMINI

TELLUS AC AETHER IUBILANT

in magni caena principis,

que  protoplasti pectora

vitae purgavit ferculo.

Hac nocte factor omnium

potentis ad misterium

carnern suam cum sanguine

in escam transfert anime.

A celsis surgens dapibus

prebet formam mortalibus

humilitatis gratia

Petri petens vestigia.

Pallet servus obsequio,

cum angelorum dominum

ferendo limpham, lintheum

cernit caena procumbere.

Permitte, Symon, ablui.

Acta figurant mistica,

dum summus ima baiulat,

qui cinis servet cineri.

Lavator thoris accubat

verbique favos aggerat,

quos inter hostem denotat,

necis qui dolos ruminat.

Trux lupe, Iuda pessime,

fers agno miti  bassia,

das membra loris rigida,

que sorde tergunt saecula,

Nexi solvuntur hodie

carnis ac cordis carcere.

Tingens sacrato crismate

spes inde crescit miseris.

Victori mortis inclitam

pangamus laude gloriam

cum patre ac sancto spiritu,

qui nos redemit obitu.

Heaven and earth rejoice in the supper of the great prince, which purified the heart of the first created man by the food of life.  On that night the maker of all things in the mystery of his power transformed his own body and blood into nourishment for the soul. Rising up from that feast he gave an example to mortal men, by the grace of humility he sought the feet of Peter.  Who grows pale at the condescension, when at that supper he gazes at the Lord of angels, bearing water and towel, prostrate before him. Permit yourself to be washed, O Simon: these acts prefigure a mystery. When the highest bears up the lowest, he who is of ashes serves him who is ashes. The one who washes reclines on the couch and conveys honey-sweet words, indicating among them the enemy, who is planning the deceit of murder. O ferocious wolf, wicked Judas, you offer kisses to the gentle lamb, you give to the whip the rigid limbs of him who washes the impurity of the world.  Today they are freed from the prison of flesh and heart. With the anointing of the sacred chrism, hope is raised for the wretched. To the victor we sing great glory in praise, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, who redeemed us from death.