Reproaches from the Cross

This is a classic prayer of the Church used on Good Friday. But honestly, I can't say I've heard it prayed in recent years in the services I've attended. Maybe we should.

(It is one of many beautiful nuggets found in The Bad Catholic's Guide to Good Living.)

O my people, what have I done for you?

How have I offended you?

Answer me!

I led you out of Egypt, from slavery to freedom,

but you have led your Savior to the cross.

For forty years, I led you safely through the desert.

I fed you with manna from heaven

and brought you to a land of plenty,

but you have led your Savior to the cross.

What more could I have done for you?

I planted you as my fairest vine,

but you yielded only bitterness;

when I was thirsty, you gave me vinegar to drink,

and you pierced your Savior's side with a spear.

O my people, what have I done for you?

How have I offended you?

Answer me.

I led you out of Egypt,

leaving Pharoah drowned in the Red Sea:

but you delivered me to the chief priests.

I opened the sea before you;

and you opened my side with a spear.

I went before you in a pillar of fire:

and you have dragged me

into the judgment hall of Pilate.

I fed you with manna in the desert;

and you have beaten me with fist and whip.

I gave you water of salvation to drink:

and you have given me gall and vinegar.

For your sake I struck the kings of the Canaanites:

and you have struck my head with a reed.

I gave you a royal scepter:

and you have given me a crown of thorns.

I raised you up with great strength:

and you have hanged me on the gibbet of the Cross.

O my people, what have I done to you?

How have I offended you?

Answer me.