Victimae Paschali

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccatta mundi, miserere nobis
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccatta mundi, miserere nobis
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccatta mundi, dona nobis pacem.

Agnus Dei ... This is the sound resonating throughout all creation. Not just the human heart: in unison, this is the sound of creation's groan: Agnus Dei ... 

Have mercy
Creation groans  
Give us peace 

For this is the still point of the turning world: at the reconciling center of the shattered world lies misericordia, the peace-bringing mercy of a Lamb who stands slain at the world's foundation.

And this is what creation groans for, and this is the source of its cry.

The lament is a song. The plea is adoration: for the Lamb stands at the center. The harmony is mounting, growing more piercing; it will not be stopped, for he is its source. Listen: can you hear it?

Creation sings: Agnus Dei ... Agnus Dei,  you are the source, from whence we came and to which we return, you, reconciling us before we knew our fault, you, taking up our lament and becoming the source of our song, you the beauty before all ages, the beauty piercing all, in all and through all: you, Agnus Dei. You take away the sins of the world: great is your beauty.

Agnus Dei, you stand at the center of the world, and we long for you, and we adore you, for you are our heartbeat.

The God become man has within himself gathered trembling and wounded creation, taking us into himself so that out of him we may be born, radiant again. The lament has become the alleluia: for he made our lament his, and made our lament his glory.

Oh redeemed mankind: arise! For you are crowned; you are priests of the eternally-reconciling Lamb, you, high images of Him so that creation's song might find it repose and glory. Do not desecrate your holiness! Here is the weight of glory: terrible, splendid, borne in full measure by the Lamb, bestowed in mercy on you and thence to all creation. Rise to his worship, and lead creation in its ever-growing groans as He has commissioned you:

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccatta mundi, miserere nobis
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccatta mundi, miserere nobis
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccatta mundi, dona nobis pacem.