washing feet

Liturgical Hymns: Ubi Caritas et Amor

Liturgical Hymns: Ubi Caritas et Amor

One of the most beautiful antiphons of the Liturgy is that given in the Roman Missal for use during the Preparation of the Gifts at the Mass on Holy Thursday, following the Washing of the Feet. It’s called the Ubi caritas et amor. Click here to hear it sung: you can also follow the translation below. The text is attributed to Paulinus of Aquileia (796) and the melody is thought to have come from that time. I am sure you will have heard it. On Holy Thursday, the Church puts before our eyes a visible reminder of Our Lord’s love for us. On the eve of His Passion, as the Scriptures tell us, he took water in a basin and washed the feet of his twelve Apostles, including Judas. Fittingly, the antiphon speaks of Christ’s deep love for us, and how we should love one another as He has loved us. Where God is, there is Charity because God is Love. In some early manuscripts, the antiphonal response reads: Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est (‘Where true love is dwelling, God is present there’).

Here is a translation that you can reflect on, as you listen to the chant:
Where charity and love are, there God is.
The love of Christ has gathered us into one.
Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.
Let us fear and let us love the living God.
And from a sincere heart let us love each other (and Him).
Where charity and love are, there God is.
Therefore, whensoever we are gathered as one:
Lest we in mind be divided, let us beware.
Let cease malicious quarrels, let strife give way.
And in the midst of us be Christ our God.
Where charity and love are, there God is.
Together also with the blessed may we see,
Gloriously, Thy countenance, O Christ our God:
A joy which is immense, and also approved:
Through infinite ages of ages. Amen.

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