This morning during Morning Prayer from the Daily Office blog, I was introduced to the Song of Anselm as one of the canticles. I’m always looking for appropriate liturgical resources that have feminine imagery for Jesus or any other part of the Trinity, and this is particularly beautiful. If Anselm, one of the great theologians of his time, could see Jesus as mother, why is that so difficult for us? I would love to use this in the context of VDS worship or on the Sunday closest to Mother’s Day, but even in rotation with other canticles, I think it stands out.

Song of Anselm

Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you;
you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
Often you weep over our sins and our pride,
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgement.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds,
in sickness you nurse us, and with pure milk you feed us.
Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life;
by your anguish and labour we come forth in joy.
Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;
through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead,
your touch makes sinners righteous.
Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us;
in your love and tenderness remake us.
In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness,
for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

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