Notre Dame Folk Choir – The Folk Choir serves the University of Notre Dame as one of the principal liturgical choirs, singing every Sunday during the academic year at the 11:45 A.M. Mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Today’s song lyrics are from Psalm 22, which is a plea for deliverance from suffering and hostility. As we listen to the Notre Dame Folk Choir sing the psalmist’s words, we are brought to the cross, where Jesus cries out to his Father using the opening words of Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The life of faith is not one devoid of suffering. In these moments, we may cry out to God, fearful that God has abandoned us. Yet, the psalmist teaches us that even in our desperate cry, seeking the assurance that God is with us, we can proclaim and glorify God’s name.

(Lyrics)
My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?
My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

All who see me deride, they curl their lips,
they toss their heads.
He trusted in the Lord, let him save him!
Let him release him if this is his friend.

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

Many dogs have surrounded me,
a band of the wicked beset me.
They tear holes in my hands and feet,
and lay me in the dust of dead.

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

I can count every part of my bones,
these people stare at me and gloat.
They divide my clothing among them,
they cast lots for my robe.

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

I will tell your name to the faithful,
and praise you where they are assembled.
You who fear the Lord give him grace,
all descendents of Jacob give him glory.

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

“My God, My God: Psalm 22” by Chrysogonus Waddell, OCSO.
Text © 1963, The Grail, England. GIA Publications, Inc., exclusive North American agent.
Music © 2006, World Library Publications, a division of GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Image: Stations of the Cross, Baumer Hall

For more songs, please visit Songs of Notre Dame: A Lenten Offering