CHORUS. - SURELY HE HATH BORNE OUR GRIEFS.

This is a profound and moving chorus from Handel's *Messiah*, setting the prophetic words of Isaiah 53 to music. It captures the heavy, solemn reality of Christ taking on the sins and sorrows of the world. The text, "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows," speaks directly to the heart of the Passion, making it a deeply reflective piece for choirs to sing.

In the context of Catholic worship and choir life, this piece is especially powerful during the Lenten season and Holy Week. Its dramatic, minor-key harmonies and driving rhythm convey the weight of the "chastisement of our peace." When a choir sings this, it draws the congregation into a space of deep reverence and gratitude for the sacrifice of the cross, making it a fitting meditation for Good Friday or solemn Lenten services.