Page 12 - A Journey to Pentecost

Meditation of Come Down, O Love Divine Hymn
By Ms. Maria Benn

Let’s ponder the words of this beautiful old hymn. It was written in the 14th century by
Bianco da Siena and translated into English in the 19th century by Richard Frederick
Littledale. As an English work, it is a minor masterpiece. Ralph Vaughan Williams set it
to a stirring melody,. Here are the words, along with some commentary:

First Verse
Come down, O Love divine!
Here, we seek not mere human love but Divine Love Himself. We give Him permission seek out this soul of mine
to seek our souls and enter therein. “Ardor” bespeaks vigor, energy, and intensity. He and visit it with your own ardour glowing;
is called the “Comforter,” which in English originally meant something more than just O Comforter, draw near,
pleasant things. The Latin root word is confirmare, which also means “to strengthen.”
We ask that He seek our poor souls and then kindle our heart, to start a holy fire within within my heart appear,
us. As we shall see, this fire of love purifies us and configures us to the image of those and kindle it, your holy flame bestowing.
reborn in Christ.

Second Verse There let it freely burn
till earthly passions turn
The Holy Spirit needs to convert our desires so that we desire more and more of what God is
actually offering. This verse also speaks to the Holy Spirit’s role in renewing our mind. God, to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
the Holy Spirit, is our teacher. Through the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, He and let your glorious light
lights up our mind and shows us the way. He draws us from the ways of the worldly-minded. shine ever on my sight,

Yes, Come, Holy Spirit, heal our wayward hearts. Enlighten our minds and set us on the right and make my pathway clear, by your
and only path. illuming.