Jesu the Very Thought is Sweet

The song Jesu, the Very Thought is Sweet! is attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot of the 12th century. His legacy:

Bernard’s theology and Mariology continue to be of major importance, particularly within the Cistercian and Trappist orders. Bernard led to the foundation of 163 monasteries in different parts of Europe. At his death, they numbered 343. His influence led Pope Alexander III to launch reforms that would lead to the establishment of canon law. He was the first Cistercian monk placed on the calendar of saints and was canonized by Pope Alexander III January 18, 1174. Pope Pius VIII bestowed on him the title of Doctor of the Church. He is fondly remembered as the “Mellifluous Doctor,” (the Honey-Sweet Doctor), for his eloquence. The Cistercians honour him as only the founders of orders are honoured, because of the widespread activity which he gave to the order.¹

The video of this song that follows was created by the More Good Foundation and is dedicated to a friend of ours in whom we feel a deep and abiding sense of gratitude. Last Christmas season he suggested it might be one of his favorites and shared with us his feelings concerning this sacred hymn.²

Below is the text to Jesu, the Very Thought is Sweet!, translated in 1851 from Latin to English by J. M. [John Mason] Neale (1818-1866). The last three stanzas of the song are not included in Max Wilberg’s arrangement. The text contains minor changes by our unnamed friend.

1 – Jesu! the very thought is sweet!

In that dear Name all heart-joys meet;

But O than honey sweeter far

The glimpses of His Presence are.

2 – No word is sung more sweet than this:

No Name is heard more full of bliss;

No thought brings sweeter comfort nigh,

Than Jesus, Son of God most high.

3 – Jesu! the hope of souls forlorn!

How good to them for sin that mourn!

To them that seek Thee, O how kind!

But what are Thou to them that find?

4 – Jesu, Thou sweetness, pure and blest,

Truth’s Fountain, Light of souls distressed,

Surpassing all that heart requires,

Exceeding all that soul desires!

5 – No tongue of mortal can express,

No letters write this blessedness,

Alone who hath Thee in his heart

Knows, love of Jesus! what Thou art.

6 – O Jesu! King of wondrous might!

O Victor, glorious from the fight!

Sweetness that may not be expressed,

And altogether loveliest!

7 – Remain with us, O Lord, today!

In every heart Thy grace display;

That now the shades of night are fled,

On Thee our spirits may be fed.

8 – All honor, laud and glory be,

O Jesu, virgin-born, to Thee!

All glory, as is ever meet,

To Father and to Paraclete.

It is difficult to put into words our friend’s message that accompanied this song. A short time later, I found this talk by Keith B. McMullin about obtaining the testimony of Jesus entitled Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee and Ann Madsen’s inspired talk Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee.

Sources and Notes:

1. “Bernard of Clairvaux”. Wikipedia. 31 March 2009.↩
2. “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee”. LDS Hymns, #141. 31 March 2009.↩