Prayer to Christ in the Holy Eucharist

Prayer to Christ in the Holy Eucharist September 1, 2009

O Saving Victim, open wide the gates of Heaven to man below. Our foes press on from every side; Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

Thy Name be praised forevermore, immortal Godhead, one in Three. O grant us endless lengths of days, in our true native land with Thee.

–St. Thomas Aquinas, “Hymn to the Host” (O salutaris hostia)

My Lord and God, You have said that no one who calls You Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless he lives his life in accordance with Your Will. Crushed by the weight of my innumerable sins, offenses, and negligences, I am not even worthy to call You by Your Name. I sin against Your Law every single day, and though I would like to tell You that I at least try to avoid sin, You know that far too often I do not even try. You know that I commit murder with my hateful thoughts and adultery with my lustful heart, and You know that the person I pretend to be in church is not always the person I truly am inside. Knowing that You know this, I can only kneel before You and say, over and over again, “Lord, be merciful to me, for I have sinned. Lord, be merciful to me, for I have sinned without number. Lord, be merciful to me, for I am no longer worthy to be called Your servant.”

But then, when I raise my eyes and see You, see the Word Made Flesh beneath the humble veils of bread and wine, I cannot help but join in the song of Your angels, saints, and martyrs, saying again and again, “Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus.” I know that in Your Glory you have no need of my praise, and I know that next to Your saints my sins make even my praise unworthy, but in Your presence I am made aware of Your graciousness to me. You have chosen to hide Your Divine Majesty so that even a wretch like myself may come to You. And indeed, such is Your commandment: “Come to Me, you weary ones, and I will give you rest.” Inspired by this confidence, I can say, once again, “King of tremendous Majesty, who freely saves those worthy ones, save me, o fount of pity.”

Down in adoration falling, lo the sacred Host we hail. Lo o’er ancient forms departing, newer rites of grace prevail. Faith for all defects supplying, where the feeble senses fail.

To the Father everlasting, and the Son Who reigns on high, and the Holy Ghost proceeding forth from each eternally, be salvation, honor, blessing, might and endless Majesty. Amen.

–St. Thomas Aquinas, Tantum Ergo Sacramentum


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