Andrew of Crete: O the mystery, passing wonder

Saturday, August 7, 2021
    Commemoration of John Mason Neale, Priest, Poet, 1866
Meditation:
    Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
    —Revelation 19:9 (NIV)
Quotation:
O the mystery, passing wonder,
    When, reclining at the board,
“Eat,” Thou saidst to Thy Disciples,
    “That True Bread with quickening stored:
“Drink in faith the healing Chalice
    “From a dying God outpoured.”

Then the glorious upper chamber
    A celestial tent was made,
When the bloodless rite was offered,
    And the soul’s true service paid,
And the table of the feasters
    As an altar stood displayed.

Christ is now our mighty Pascha,
    Eaten for our mystic bread:
Take we of His broken Body,
    Drink we of the Blood He shed,
As a lamb led out to slaughter,
    And for this world offered.

To the Twelve spake Truth eternal,
    To the Branches spake the Vine:
&ldquo ;Never more from this day forward
    Shall I taste again this wine,
Till I drink it in the kingdom
    Of My Father, and with Mine.”

Thou hast stretched those hands for silver
    That had held the Immortal Food;
With those lips that late had tasted
    Of the Body and the Blood,
Thou hast given the kiss, O Judas;
    Thou hast heard the woe bestowed.

Christ to all the world gives banquet
    On that most celestial Meat:
Him, albeit with lips all earthly,
    Yet with holy hearts we greet:
Him, the sacrificial Pascha,
    Priest and Victim all complete.
    ... St. Andrew of Crete (c. 650-726/740) & John Mason Neale (1818-1866), in Hymns of the Eastern Church, London: J. T. Hayes, 1870, p. 73 (see the book)
    See also Rev.19:9; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; John 1:29; 15:1-8
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, You have given Yourself to Your people.

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