Maundy Thursday

Mystery

Now, my tongue, the mystery telling,
of the glorious body sing,
and the blood, all price excelling,
which the nation's Lord and King,
once on earth among us dwelling,
shed for this world's ransoming.

That last night, at supper lying
with the twelve, his chosen band,
Jesus with the law complying
keeps the feast its rites demand;
then, more precious food supplying,
gives himself with his own hand.

Word made flesh, by word he maketh
very bread his flesh to be;
man in wine Christ's blood partaketh:
and if senses fail to see,
faith alone the true heart waketh
to behold the mystery.

Therefore we, before him bending,
this great sacrament revere;
faith her aid to sight is lending;
though unseen, the Lord is near;
ancient types and shadows ending,
Christ our paschal Lamb is here.

Glory let us give, and blessing,
to the Father and the Son;
honour, thanks and praise addressing
while eternal ages run,
and the Spriti's power confessing,
who from both with both is one.

St. Thomas Aquinas, 13th Century
translated by Edward Caswall, 1814-1878 and the compilers

Paris, 1881