Joy and Gladness

Let me hear joy and gladness
when I hear what the sinful woman heard.
And what did she hear?
I speak of her who wept at your feet.
What, then, did she hear?
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
And I will hear what the robber heard:
“Today you will be with me in paradise.”
I will have joy in the forgiveness of sins;
gladness for the promise of blessings.
And will I not rejoice,
and will I not be glad,
when you grant pardon for all my sins ?
Then I will begin to taste of joy,
for you, Lord, are good.
Then will I learn to dwell in heavenly places.
Then will I say with the prophet,
“How abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you.”
Then will I rejoice and be glad.

Source: Girolamo Savonarola

Source of this version: Freely modified from A Book of Prayers: Together with Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Ancient and Modern, Ed. Charles Leffingwell, Morehouse Publishing Company, 1921, p. 57 #2

“Let me hear…” is a reference to Psalm 51:8

“…what the woman heard… go in peace” is a reference to Luke 7:38-50 (Savonarola connects the sinful woman with Mary Magdalene, which is a traditional connection. It is not specifically stated in the Bible that Mary Magdalene is the “sinful woman.”)

“robber… paradise” is a reference to Luke 23:43

“taste of joy” may be a reference to Psalm 34:8

“since you are good…” may be a reference to Psalm 25:7

“How abundant… fear you” is a reference to Psalm 31:19