A song for Lent, from a Catholic hymnal that my father-in-law used growing up in Taiwan. Our Mandarin speaking mass continues to use the very same hymnal. 

My father-in-law recalls songs sung during Lent, full of sorrow over sin. We sat together after dinner last night, translating the lyrics to one of the songs. 

“My Heart is Sorrowful” 

A sigh, my heart is sorrowful. I remember my Lord is suffering. It brings me to tears, it makes me so ashamed of my sin. 

1 When I lived in the world, I did all the wrong things and only desired vainglory. All my life, I forgot about kindness and never thought of righteousness. Sigh, how bad I was. I couldn’t do anything to change my way. The good days are gone when I can get back all the blessings. 

2. My earthly life hasn’t ended yet. I need to repent in time so that I can come back to the Kingdom of God and so that I can avoid the punishment of hell. 

3 I am really sorrowful for my sin. I should disregard all these empty earthly promises. After I change my wrongdoing, I should work on building up my virtues and goodness. Luckily, I haven’t died yet. I should really use the days I have remaining and pursue eternal blessings.”