Look, I am creating new heavens and a new earth. The past will not remain in the memory nor will it rise up over the heart. But you will delight and rejoice forever in these things which I bring forth' (Isa. 65:17-18). Or again, 'Joy and happiness will be found in this, a blessing and a voice of praise. And it will be so month after month, from sabbath to sabbath' (Isa. 51:3; 66:23). And again, 'They will have joy and gladness; pain and lamentation shall flee' (Isa. 35:10)."
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Annunciation of the Theotokos, March 25
Look, I am creating new heavens and a new earth. The past will not remain in the memory nor will it rise up over the heart. But you will delight and rejoice forever in these things which I bring forth' (Isa. 65:17-18). Or again, 'Joy and happiness will be found in this, a blessing and a voice of praise. And it will be so month after month, from sabbath to sabbath' (Isa. 51:3; 66:23). And again, 'They will have joy and gladness; pain and lamentation shall flee' (Isa. 35:10)."
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Jesus, Light to those in darkness
AKATHIST TO
Jesus, the Light for those in darkness
Jesus, the Light for those in darkness
Out of the depths of darkness and despair I cry out to You,
O Lord, You that hung upon the Cross in darkness.
From the pit of pain and confusion, I lift up this prayer,
O Lord, You that hung upon the Cross in darkness.
From the pit of pain and confusion, I lift up this prayer,
and with all my heart I sing aloud to You:
Jesus, Light to those in darkness, glory to You!
Jesus, Light to those in darkness, glory to You!
In the day of trouble, I seek You, O Lord, and in the night my hand is stretched out without wearing. My eyes find no rest from weeping, and I am so troubled that I cannot speak. Yet as my spirit ponders in the night, I raise this song to You:
JESUS, rescuer of the abandoned!
JESUS, hope of those in despair!
JESUS, guiding star to the lost!
JESUS, joyful return of the exile!
JESUS, unforeseen victory!
JESUS, eternal triumph!
JESUS, radiant dawn after endless night!
JESUS, everlasting light of the Kingdom!
JESUS, wipe away my tears!
JESUS, calm the panic of my heart!
JESUS, exultation of those hemmed in by fear!
JESUS, joy of those crushed by sorrow!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
JESUS, rescuer of the abandoned!
JESUS, hope of those in despair!
JESUS, guiding star to the lost!
JESUS, joyful return of the exile!
JESUS, unforeseen victory!
JESUS, eternal triumph!
JESUS, radiant dawn after endless night!
JESUS, everlasting light of the Kingdom!
JESUS, wipe away my tears!
JESUS, calm the panic of my heart!
JESUS, exultation of those hemmed in by fear!
JESUS, joy of those crushed by sorrow!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried out to You day and night. My soul is full of troubles and my life has drawn near to Sheol. I lie in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep; my friends and those who love me are removed far from me, and my companions are in darkness. But by Your grace, I defy the darkness, and I declare Your saving help in the land of forgetfulness, crying aloud, Alleluia!
Sorrow has isolated me from all those around me, and I cannot feel Your love either, O Lord. I walk about in the light like one forsaken among the dead, like the slain who molder in the grave whom You remember no more. But You are the One who performs wonders for the dead, and whose steadfast love is declared in the grave. Trusting in You alone, I make known Your wonders:
Jesus, comforter of the bereaved!
Jesus, consoler of the dying!
Jesus, liberty of the imprisoned and forgotten!
Jesus, companion of the divorced and abandoned!
Jesus, grant peace to a heart in turmoil!
Jesus, work through me to touch others in pain!
Jesus, calmer of storms!
Jesus, haven of the voyager!
Jesus, resurrection for those whose children have died!
Jesus, serenity for those in chronic pain!
Jesus, promise of final triumph!
Jesus, possession of invincible peace!
Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
Jesus, comforter of the bereaved!
Jesus, consoler of the dying!
Jesus, liberty of the imprisoned and forgotten!
Jesus, companion of the divorced and abandoned!
Jesus, grant peace to a heart in turmoil!
Jesus, work through me to touch others in pain!
Jesus, calmer of storms!
Jesus, haven of the voyager!
Jesus, resurrection for those whose children have died!
Jesus, serenity for those in chronic pain!
Jesus, promise of final triumph!
Jesus, possession of invincible peace!
Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
The enemy has pursued my soul, O Lord, he has crushed my life to the ground, and I am made to sit in darkness, like those who have been long dead. My spirit within me is overwhelmed by depression, and my heart within is appalled. But I am Your servant, O merciful God, and Your good Spirit will lead me on level paths with renewed strength. Looking to that day, even now I stretch out my hands, crying: Alleluia!
Despite the attacks of my spiritual foes, I put my trust in You, O Saviour, knowing that You will teach me the way in which I should walk in safety. Though I dwell in parched land, I look to You for the water of life, offering to You such songs as these:
Jesus, shield and buckler!
Jesus, unfailing defense!
Jesus, well-spring in the desert!
Jesus, fountain of the Kingdom!
Jesus, drive away all depression!
Jesus, be my radiance of heart!
Jesus, security in the midst of enemies!
Jesus, hope when all other hope is lost!
Jesus, pledge of eternal gladness!
Jesus, banisher of life’s shadows!
Jesus, vindicate my innocence!
Jesus, forgive all my sins!
Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
Icon of the Inexhaustible Cup
The Syro-Phoenician woman whose daughter was cruelly demon-possessed shouted after You, O Son of David, only to learn that You were sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Despite Your silence, the faith of this Gentile found Your compassion, and she returned home singing: Alleluia!
Despite my many and ceaseless supplications, I can find no answer, O Lord, and my heart is too tired to go on. I feel unworthy even to gather up the crumbs under Your table, and from all sides I find nothing but discouragement. But knowing that You save those who invoke Your Name, O Jesus, and trusting that You will give ear to the words of my mouth, I bow down before You, saying:
JESUS, welcomer of strangers!
JESUS, boast of the saints!
JESUS, save me as I chant Your Name with love!
JESUS, vindicate me as I cling to Your mercy with faith!
JESUS, pardoner of my many offences!
JESUS, healer of my sinful heart!
JESUS, feeder of children!
JESUS, feast of the poor!
JESUS, King who gives strength to the weary!
JESUS, Master who grants deliverance to the oppressed!
JESUS, destroyer of demons!
JESUS, song of the angels!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
The Holy Eucharist - Nikolai Kharlamov
JESUS, welcomer of strangers!
JESUS, boast of the saints!
JESUS, save me as I chant Your Name with love!
JESUS, vindicate me as I cling to Your mercy with faith!
JESUS, pardoner of my many offences!
JESUS, healer of my sinful heart!
JESUS, feeder of children!
JESUS, feast of the poor!
JESUS, King who gives strength to the weary!
JESUS, Master who grants deliverance to the oppressed!
JESUS, destroyer of demons!
JESUS, song of the angels!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
The blind beggar Bartimaeus thought that You would pass him by, O Saviour, and though many rebuked him, he did not cease to cry, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!” In Your customary lovingkindness, You called him to Yourself and granted him illumination, so that he followed You on the way, singing: Alleluia!
Icon of the Three Holy youths
Like a child left alone in the dark, I cry out to You, Son of David, taking refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the storms of destruction pass by. Though my soul is among lions who roar out that there is no salvation for me, my heart is steadfast and I sing these praises:
Jesus, sight for the blind!
Jesus, wealth for the beggar!
Jesus, harbour for those who are bestormed!
Jesus, fortress for all who are besieged!
Jesus, Your glory is above the heavens!
Jesus, Your radiance fills the earth!
Jesus, exaltation of the transcendent Father!
Jesus, bestower of the life-giving Spirit!
Jesus, hear my cry when all others are deaf!
Jesus, call me to Your throne and save me!
Jesus, bottomless ocean of mercy!
Jesus, infinite firmament of truth!
Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
Like the deer who pants for flowing streams, like the parent who mourns the loss of a child, I am left breathless. Grief grips me, and my tears have been my food day and night. Although all the waves of panic have rolled over me, You remain the help of my countenance, O God, and my song to You in the night remains: Alleluia!
The return of the Prodigal Son
The joy of Paschal processions around the House of God remains a distant memory, O Lord, and my soul is in despair. All my former faith has been disturbed, so that I say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me?” But the Lord will yet command His steadfast love to me, and hoping in His help I praise Him, saying:
Jesus, joy of homecoming for those on earth!
Jesus, long-awaited reunion with all in heaven!
Jesus, dry my bitter tears!
Jesus, restore my forgotten song!
Jesus, light sent out from the luminous Father!
Jesus, truth that leads us to the heavenly altar of God!
Jesus, celebration that lifts the heavy heart!
Jesus, tranquility that calms the troubled mind!
Jesus, return of celebration for the down-cast!
Jesus, restoration of festivity for the weary!
Jesus, You that make the woeful to dance!
Jesus, You that make the depressed to sing!
Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
The man whose young daughter had just died was in anguish, O Lord, when it seemed that Your coming to save her was too late. But You told him to fear not, but to have faith, and with a simple command You raised the girl from death. Beside himself with joy, the bereaved parent exclaimed: Alleluia!
Like those whose houses are made desolate by death, my own home is filled with mourning, and I look to the dawning of each new day with fear. But keeping my faith in You, I trample down my fear, and open my mouth with defiance to offer these hymns to You, O Life-giving Lord:
JESUS, vanquisher of hell!
JESUS, giver of resurrection!
JESUS, banish my fear of the future!
JESUS, heal the sorrows of my past!
JESUS, redeem my soul in peace from the battle with my foes!
JESUS, conquer my many spiritual enemies!
JESUS, You that put despair to flight!
JESUS, You that fill the heart with hope!
JESUS, light that no darkness can extinguish!
JESUS, joy that no sorrow can quench!
JESUS, glorious liberty of the children of God!
JESUS, endless song of those raised to new life!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
The woman with a hemorrhage suffered for many years, growing only worse for all the money she had spent on physicians. In her uncleanness, she was afraid to approach You, O Lord, and so she secretly touched the hem of Your garment to find healing. But when You found her in the crowd, You took away her fears as well as her disease and dismissed her in peace. When she experienced Your unexpected compassion, her heart leaped up and cried, Alleluia!
Healing of the paralytic
O Lord, there is no soundness in my flesh and my pain is ever with me. My wounds grow foul and fester, and I go about mourning all the day. Though many try to comfort me, I am benumbed, and find only groaning because of the tumult of my heart. But You are not far from me, O my God, and You will make haste to help me. Therefore I open my mouth in praise to the Lord my salvation, saying:
Jesus, health of my bones!
Jesus, promise of my resurrection!
Jesus, unfailing strength!
Jesus, forgiveness of my folly!
Jesus, healing for all who just touch the hem of Your robe!
Jesus, restoration for all who but trust in Your mercy!
Jesus, sudden joy!
Jesus, eternal exultation!
Jesus, hold me up when I am ready to fall!
Jesus, forgive me when my iniquities go over my head!
Jesus, power of my youth!
Jesus, wisdom of my old age!
Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
The Gadarene demoniac was overwhelmed by a legion of demons within, O saving Master, and he dwelt in the deserts of despair, for no human chains were strong enough to restrain his fury. Seeing his Saviour come near, he ran up to Him and bowed down before Him, imploring deliverance. When you drove out his enemies and drowned his sins in the depths of the sea, he breathed forth a sigh of peace, saying: Alleluia!
John 7:24 ("Judge not according to the appearance, but judge with righteous judgement")
Matthew 7:2 ("For with what judgement you judge, you shall be judged").
Matthew 7:2 ("For with what judgement you judge, you shall be judged").
My spiritual foes have trampled me to the ground, O Lord my God, for they are many who fight against me. A legion of internal sins fights proudly against me, lurking to trip up my every step. Yet You have seen all my tears, O Christ, and noted all my grief in Your book, and You will deliver my feet from falling so that I may walk before You in the light of life, praising Your word and saying:
Jesus, absolution of the condemned!
Jesus, song of the forgiven!
Jesus, drive away my countless foes!
Jesus, forgive the multitude of my sins!
Jesus, robe of the naked!
Jesus, sanity for the distracted!
Jesus, terror of demons who fly from Your Name!
Jesus, hymn of the angels who draw near to Your love!
Jesus, You that wipe away my tears!
Jesus, You that calm my agitation!
Jesus, You that bring joy to those in the desert!
Jesus, You that restore the exile to his home!
Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
The widow whose only son had died was left all alone in the world, abandoned by those who had loved her. When her son was being carried out to burial, the Lord met her and bade her dry her tears. With a word he raised the young man to new life, teaching all there to change their funeral dirge to the song: Alleluia!
Christ, the Bridegroom
O Lord, I am separated from the one who once loved me, and sorrow has estranged me from my friends. I am weary with crying, and my eyes fail while I wait for my God. Emptiness and loneliness crush me every night, and meaninglessness haunts me by day. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint, lifting up to You these praises:
JESUS, unfailing friend for the abandoned!
JESUS, lover of my soul!
JESUS, serenity for those in the midst of storms!
JESUS, renewed strength for the burdened!
JESUS, fill the emptiness of my heart!
JESUS, use me as the instrument of Your peace!
JESUS, strength for the day of battle!
JESUS, banner of glorious victory!
JESUS, healer of the past!
JESUS, guide for the future!
JESUS, triumphant forgiveness!
JESUS, eternal vindication!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
Jesus allowed His beloved friend Lazarus to face the bitterness of death, so that he lay in the tomb for four days, his flesh experiencing corruption. But Christ came into the world to trample down death, and with a mighty cry He summoned Lazarus from the depths, so that the man doomed to death emerged from the tomb to cry: Alleluia!
That which I greatly feared has come upon me, and death looms before me. My faith in which I trusted is no defense against the cold fear that grips my heart, and every night I flood my bed with tears. But You, O
Jesus, are the resurrection and the life, and even in Sheol I will not cease to give You praise:
Jesus, hope of those sentenced to death!
Jesus, resurrection of those who believe in Your word!
Jesus, song that no fear can silence!
Jesus, tranquility that no horror can shake!
Jesus, raise my eyes from death to see Your unfading Kingdom!
Jesus, fill my heart with the promise of Your unending life!
Jesus, radiant glory of those facing death!
Jesus, timeless boast of the martyrs!
Jesus, courage in the face of mortal danger!
Jesus, constancy before continual trial!
Jesus, divine glory, transfiguring the wounded hearts!
Jesus, victory of God, bringing the embattled home!
Jesus, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
cf. see Lk. 22:41-44, Heb. 5:7-9
With loud cries and tears, O Jesus, You asked that the cup of grief might be removed from You, and sweat from Your holy body fell like drops of blood. Though all Your disciples forsook You and fled, O Christ, You never faltered, but fulfilled the will of the Father until the end. Marveling at Your faithfulness, we who are weak exclaim, Alleluia!
For the sake of us men and for our salvation, O Son of God, You hung upon the Cross. Though You cried out that God had forsaken You, in obedience You drained the cup of suffering to its very dregs. Though all those around You jeered at You and blasphemed, You committed Your spirit into the Father’s hands and died in the darkness. Struck with awe at this mystery, we sinners cry from the depths of our souls:
JESUS, Lamb whose meekness is stronger than the world!
JESUS, Sacrifice whose Blood washes clean the whole earth!
JESUS, rejected by men, obedient to the death of the Cross!
JESUS, King of the ages, ruling from the heavenly throne!
JESUS, keep me from failing in the hour of trial!
JESUS, strengthen me for the impending battle!
JESUS, whose death on the Tree tramples down my mortality!
JESUS, whose lifting up on the Cross casts down the ruler of this age!
JESUS, everlasting Pascha and power of God!
JESUS, universal Kingdom given to us sinners!
JESUS, light of the despairing children of the earth!
JESUS, light of the triumphant saints in glory!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
Repeat three times:
O Jesus our Lord, God and Saviour,
in Your word alone we put our trust.
Though suffering and agitation fill our minds, we reach up through the darkness to seize Your hand and receive Your mercy. Be our joy and peace as we pass through this terrible valley, and carry us through when our strength fails that we may sing to You through the ages, Alleluia!
Jesus, Light to those in darkness
Out of the depths of darkness and despair I cry out to You,
O Lord, You that hung upon the Cross in darkness.
From the pit of pain and confusion, I lift up this prayer, and with all my heart I sing aloud to You:
Jesus,
O Lord, You that hung upon the Cross in darkness.
From the pit of pain and confusion, I lift up this prayer, and with all my heart I sing aloud to You:
Jesus,
Light to those in darkness,
glory to You!
In the day of trouble, I seek You, O Lord, and in the night my hand is stretched out without wearing. My eyes find no rest from weeping, and I am so troubled that I cannot speak. Yet as my spirit ponders in the night, I raise this song to You:
JESUS, rescuer of the abandoned!
JESUS, hope of those in despair!
JESUS, guiding star to the lost!
JESUS, joyful return of the exile!
JESUS, unforeseen victory!
JESUS, eternal triumph!
JESUS, radiant dawn after endless night!
JESUS, everlasting light of the Kingdom!
JESUS, wipe away my tears!
JESUS, calm the panic of my heart!
JESUS, exultation of those hemmed in by fear!
JESUS, joy of those crushed by sorrow!
JESUS, light to those in darkness, glory to You!
Final Prayer
O Jesus our King, have mercy on us as we struggle, and receive our songs as a fragrant offering and a sweet-smelling sacrifice.
O Jesus our King, have mercy on us as we struggle, and receive our songs as a fragrant offering and a sweet-smelling sacrifice.
In all our turmoil, emptiness and suffering, we turn to You, praising You for Your great glory. Lift us up as a father lifts up his little child, and bring us through this season of darkness and pain into Your marvelous light. Resolve our distresses as You will, according to Your great wisdom and love. We accept all that comes from Your merciful hand, and ask that You grant us to do Your will. Thus strengthened to walk in a way that is pleasing to You, to our last breath we never cease to praise Your most holy Name, together with that of Your Father who has no beginning and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
God's Praises
Only a fool would fail
To praise God in His might
When the tiny mindless birds
Praise Him in their flight.
To praise God in His might
When the tiny mindless birds
Praise Him in their flight.
A true champion
The mark of a true champion is to stand up to punishment and still come off victorious.
It is our duty, particularly when it is in God's cause, to accept trials of all kinds, if we ourselves are to be accepted by Him. So redouble your efforts, and watch out for every opportunity; but also keep your eyes on Him who has no need for opportunities, being outside all time.
It is our duty, particularly when it is in God's cause, to accept trials of all kinds, if we ourselves are to be accepted by Him. So redouble your efforts, and watch out for every opportunity; but also keep your eyes on Him who has no need for opportunities, being outside all time.
Whom no senses can reveal
Was for us made manifest;
Who no ache or pain can feel
Was for us by pain opprest;
Willing all things to endure
Our salvation to procure.
Pearls of Wisdom (St John of Kronstadt)
St John of Kronstadt:
"Watch your heart during all your life - examine it, listen to it, and see what prevents its union with the most blessed Lord. Let this be for you the science of all sciences, and with God's help you will easily observe what estranges you from God, and what draws you towards Him and unites you to Him."
From My Life in Christ, Part 1; Holy Trinity Monastery.
Pearls of Wisdom (St Symeon)
St. Symeon the New Theologian:
The roof of any house stands upon the foundations and the rest of the structure. The foundations themselves are laid in order to carry the roof. This is both useful and necessary, for the roof cannot stand without the foundations and the foundations are absolutely useless without the roof - no help to any living creature. In the same way the grace of God is preserved by the practice of the commandments, and the observance of these commandments is laid down like foundations through the gift of God. The grace of the Spirit cannot remain with us without the practice of the commandments, but the practice of the commandments is of no help or advantage to us without the grace of God.
From "The Practical and Theological Chapters."
Monday, March 22, 2010
Jesus, the Bread of Life
(An akathist for Holy Communion)
Many thanks to my friend Jonathan who prepares an Eikos daily and shares with us.
The full Akathist will be completed over the next few weeks.
The full Akathist will be completed over the next few weeks.
Jesus, God of my heart,
come and unite me to Yourself forever!
You sent down Your Angel to the Prophet Isaiah with a live coal from the heavenly altar that his lips might be purified thereby, when, beholding You seated upon the throne, he was distressed over his impurity. And how shall I, who am defiled in body and soul, dare to approach to partake of Your divine Mysteries for communion except You Yourself purify me from on high? Wherefore, I cry out to You from the depths of my soul:
Jesus most good, touch also mine impure lips with the fire of Your grace;
Jesus, burn the thorns of my many transgressions;
Jesus, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.
Jesus, lead my poor soul out of the prison of the passions;
Jesus, destroy in me impure thoughts and evil lusts;
Jesus, guide my feeble steps to the path of Your commandments.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
Greatly desiring to eat a last Passover with Your disciples before Your Passion, that in the midst thereof You might give them the last and greatest pledge of Your love, You sent two of them to Jerusalem two days before You, that thus they might prepare it. Hence, learning how we, too, ought to prepare ourselves to eat of the divine Passover which is Your Body and Blood, I cry out to You in thanksgiving: Alleluia!
"Loose thy sandles from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground," You did say unto Moses from out of the bush which burned yet was not consumed by Your unseen presence therein. The vessel which contains Your Body and Blood is greater and more holy indeed than the unburnt bush, but I am dust, unclean and sold under sin. Wherefore, with humility and faith I cry out to You: Jesus almighty, strip from me the old man and all his works. Jesus, slay within me the seed of corruption which makes its nest within me!
Jesus, break the bonds of sin whereby the enemy has bound me.
Jesus, grant me a humble heart and a broken spirit;
Jesus, drive far from me temptations and occasions for stumbling.
Jesus, establish me in faith and love for You.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"Loose thy sandles from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground," You did say unto Moses from out of the bush which burned yet was not consumed by Your unseen presence therein. The vessel which contains Your Body and Blood is greater and more holy indeed than the unburnt bush, but I am dust, unclean and sold under sin. Wherefore, with humility and faith I cry out to You: Jesus almighty, strip from me the old man and all his works. Jesus, slay within me the seed of corruption which makes its nest within me!
Jesus, break the bonds of sin whereby the enemy has bound me.
Jesus, grant me a humble heart and a broken spirit;
Jesus, drive far from me temptations and occasions for stumbling.
Jesus, establish me in faith and love for You.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
Our fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. I am the Bread which cometh down from heaven which, if any man eat thereof, he shall live forever. And the Bread which I will give is My Flesh, which I will give for the life of the world," You said to the Jews that sought to see from You a sign from heaven like unto the manna of Moses, and hearing and beholding the fulfillment of the prophecy, we cry out with fear: Alleluia!
Having risen from the supper, as the holy John relates, and girded Yourself with a towel, You washed the feet of the disciples, thereby teaching us that we ought not to approach Your divine Table in our sins unwashed by tears of repentance. Mindful of my great need for this mystical ablution and of the dearth of tears of my hardened heart, with Peter I cry to You:
Jesus all-good, wash not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.
Jesus, lay bare before me the abyss of my soul's corruption;
Jesus, open within me the floodgates of heartfelt contrition;
Jesus, bedew me with the drops of Your loving-kindness;
Jesus, wrap me about with the fear of the judgment and the eternal torments;
Jesus, awaken within me my sleeping conscience and strengthen its voice.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"Is this not Jesus, the Son of Joseph, Whose father and mother we know? How is it, then, that He says: I came down from heaven? How can He give His Flesh to eat?" said the Jews among themselves, on hearing Your glorious promise to give Yourself as food to the faithful, unable in the hardness of their hearts to believe with humility and cry out to You: Alleluia!
"Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man, and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you," You told the Jews that were slow to believe, and this saying was shown to be hard to accept even for some of Your disciples that were yet ignorant of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. But we, illumined with light of the Gospel and beholding Your divine glory with face unveiled, cry out to You with faith and love:
Jesus, Who can do everything through the greatness of Your power and dominion;
Jesus, Who creates and perfects more then we can understand and comprehend;
Jesus, Who once rained down manna from heaven as a sign of the present Mystery;
Jesus, Who poured forth water from a rock as a prefiguring thereof.
Jesus, Who sent a cloud of quail as food for the Jews, who were starving in the wilderness;
Jesus, Who before the very eyes of the doubting did satisfy five thousand men with five loaves of bread.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"Do this in remembrance of Me," You said to Your disciples at the supper, giving them Your Body under the appearance of Bread, and Your Blood under the appearance of wine. For as often as we eat this bread, and drink this cup, we show forth Your death, according to the word of the holy Paul. And now, remembering Your Passion, with compunction I cry to You:
Jesus, Who for the salvation of the world gave Yourself over voluntarily into the hands of Your enemies;
Jesus, Who did not allow legions of angels to appear in Your defense;
Jesus, Who with a glance and with the crowing of a cock converted to repentance an unfaithful disciple;
Jesus, Who made no reply to Caiaphas and Pilate who questioned You foolishly.
Jesus, Who from the Cross asked the Father to forgive the sins of them that crucified You;
Jesus, Who in Your surpassing loving-kindness gave Your beloved disciple to Your Mother as a son.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?" You sadly cried out to Your unfaithful disciple, when he came with a detachment of troops into the Garden of Gethsemane seeking to betray You with a kiss. But even these poignant words did not strike his soul, hardened in evil, with repentance. And, knowing the inconstancy of mine own will, I fear lest at any time I too give You the kiss of Judas, ungrateful as I am. But strengthen me by Your grace, that with the good thief I may ever cry out: Alleluia!
"Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man, and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you," You told the Jews that were slow to believe, and this saying was shown to be hard to accept even for some of Your disciples that were yet ignorant of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. But we, illumined with light of the Gospel and beholding Your divine glory with face unveiled, cry out to You with faith and love:
Jesus, Who can do everything through the greatness of Your power and dominion;
Jesus, Who creates and perfects more then we can understand and comprehend;
Jesus, Who once rained down manna from heaven as a sign of the present Mystery;
Jesus, Who poured forth water from a rock as a prefiguring thereof.
Jesus, Who sent a cloud of quail as food for the Jews, who were starving in the wilderness;
Jesus, Who before the very eyes of the doubting did satisfy five thousand men with five loaves of bread.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
While eating Your supper with Your disciples, taking bread, and blessing and breaking it, You gave it to them, saying: "Take, eat; this is My Body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins." And thereafter, having given them the Cup, You said: "Drink ye all of it: this is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins." Hearkening to this divine and most sweet voice, with thanksgiving we cry: Alleluia!
He who eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. He hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day, which is at the resurrection of life and blessedness. Wherefore, seeking to be vouchsafed this longed-for resurrection unto life, from the depths of my soul I cry to You:
Jesus, draw nigh unto one that seeks union with You:
Jesus, enter into my inmost parts, into all my members and bones.
Jesus, be a light unto my darkened mind;
Jesus, fill the abyss of my heart which the whole world cannot satisfy, with Yourself alone;
Jesus, speak through the voice of my conscience; Jesus, stir and guide my will.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you that one of you shall betray Me," You said in anguish of spirit to the disciples at supper. And though they were innocent of any intention to betray You, each of them asked: "Lord is it I?" showing thereby the depth of their humility. But what can I say when I fall and betray You seven times a day? Yet keep me Yourself, that I may not fall away utterly, but cry to You thankfully: Alleluia!
"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." Thus, working wonders You taught Your beloved disciples on the way to Gethsemane. Therefore, attending to this instruction, and knowing the weakness of my nature without Your grace, I earnestly cry:
Jesus, most heavenly Husbandman, plant me in Your life-bearing garden.
Jesus, true vine, graft me to Yourself like a wild branch;
Jesus, unwithering root, fill me with the sap of eternal life;
Jesus, Vanquisher of all mortality, clear away that which has been dried up within me by the heat of the passions.
Jesus, beautiful goodness, adorn me with the flowers of good thoughts and feelings;
Jesus, rich in mercy, enrich me with the fruits of true repentance and righteousness.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"To the disciple who at the supper leaned upon Your breast and asked: "Who is it that betrayeth Thee?" You answered: "He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it." And, having dipped the bread, You gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to move him to repentance. But, being hardened by the spirit of malice, he had no desire to understand his Lord and Master's voice of love. May I be delivered by Your grace from such hard-heartedness, by crying to You: Alleluia!
Taking pity on the weakness of our nature, which turns away from eating human flesh, You was well-pleased to bestow upon us Your all-pure Body and Blood not manifestly, but under the appearance of Bread and Wine, most wisely ordering the whole matter of our salvation in Your love for mankind, O Jesus, and accommodating Your most saving Mysteries to the weakness of our comprehension and senses. Marvelling at this condescension of Your wisdom to the weakness of our nature, I thankfully glorify You thus:
Jesus, Who in Thy wisdom and love for mankind arranges all things for our salvation;
Jesus, Who adapts Your most saving Mysteries to the weakness of our understanding and senses.
Jesus, Who for the assurance of the doubting has many times manifested Your very Body and Blood at the holy Table, instead of bread and wine.
Jesus, Who has shown to worthy ministers of the altar the Holy Spirit descending for the consecration of the Gifts;
Jesus, Who instead of unworthy ministers of the altar sends invisibly Your holy Angels for the celebration of the Divine Mysteries.
Jesus, Who through the manifestation of miracles at the holy Table, has converted to faith many of the impious.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
And after the sop - that is, after the traitor had eaten the bread You gave him - as the holy John relates, Satan entered into him. Oh, what a dreadful punishment for unbelief! Oh, how unhappy the lot of the traitor! What should have been for his salvation is turned into death and damnation for him. Bowing reverently before this judgment of Your righteousness, with fear and trembling I cry to You: Alleluia!
He who eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. He hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day, which is at the resurrection of life and blessedness. Wherefore, seeking to be vouchsafed this longed-for resurrection unto life, from the depths of my soul I cry to You:
Jesus, draw nigh unto one that seeks union with You:
Jesus, enter into my inmost parts, into all my members and bones.
Jesus, be a light unto my darkened mind;
Jesus, fill the abyss of my heart which the whole world cannot satisfy, with Yourself alone;
Jesus, speak through the voice of my conscience; Jesus, stir and guide my will.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you that one of you shall betray Me," You said in anguish of spirit to the disciples at supper. And though they were innocent of any intention to betray You, each of them asked: "Lord is it I?" showing thereby the depth of their humility. But what can I say when I fall and betray You seven times a day? Yet keep me Yourself, that I may not fall away utterly, but cry to You thankfully: Alleluia!
"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." Thus, working wonders You taught Your beloved disciples on the way to Gethsemane. Therefore, attending to this instruction, and knowing the weakness of my nature without Your grace, I earnestly cry:
Jesus, most heavenly Husbandman, plant me in Your life-bearing garden.
Jesus, true vine, graft me to Yourself like a wild branch;
Jesus, unwithering root, fill me with the sap of eternal life;
Jesus, Vanquisher of all mortality, clear away that which has been dried up within me by the heat of the passions.
Jesus, beautiful goodness, adorn me with the flowers of good thoughts and feelings;
Jesus, rich in mercy, enrich me with the fruits of true repentance and righteousness.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"To the disciple who at the supper leaned upon Your breast and asked: "Who is it that betrayeth Thee?" You answered: "He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it." And, having dipped the bread, You gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to move him to repentance. But, being hardened by the spirit of malice, he had no desire to understand his Lord and Master's voice of love. May I be delivered by Your grace from such hard-heartedness, by crying to You: Alleluia!
Taking pity on the weakness of our nature, which turns away from eating human flesh, You was well-pleased to bestow upon us Your all-pure Body and Blood not manifestly, but under the appearance of Bread and Wine, most wisely ordering the whole matter of our salvation in Your love for mankind, O Jesus, and accommodating Your most saving Mysteries to the weakness of our comprehension and senses. Marvelling at this condescension of Your wisdom to the weakness of our nature, I thankfully glorify You thus:
Jesus, Who in Thy wisdom and love for mankind arranges all things for our salvation;
Jesus, Who adapts Your most saving Mysteries to the weakness of our understanding and senses.
Jesus, Who for the assurance of the doubting has many times manifested Your very Body and Blood at the holy Table, instead of bread and wine.
Jesus, Who has shown to worthy ministers of the altar the Holy Spirit descending for the consecration of the Gifts;
Jesus, Who instead of unworthy ministers of the altar sends invisibly Your holy Angels for the celebration of the Divine Mysteries.
Jesus, Who through the manifestation of miracles at the holy Table, has converted to faith many of the impious.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
And after the sop - that is, after the traitor had eaten the bread You gave him - as the holy John relates, Satan entered into him. Oh, what a dreadful punishment for unbelief! Oh, how unhappy the lot of the traitor! What should have been for his salvation is turned into death and damnation for him. Bowing reverently before this judgment of Your righteousness, with fear and trembling I cry to You: Alleluia!
Jesus, Who for the salvation of the world gave Yourself over voluntarily into the hands of Your enemies;
Jesus, Who did not allow legions of angels to appear in Your defense;
Jesus, Who with a glance and with the crowing of a cock converted to repentance an unfaithful disciple;
Jesus, Who made no reply to Caiaphas and Pilate who questioned You foolishly.
Jesus, Who from the Cross asked the Father to forgive the sins of them that crucified You;
Jesus, Who in Your surpassing loving-kindness gave Your beloved disciple to Your Mother as a son.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
"Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?" You sadly cried out to Your unfaithful disciple, when he came with a detachment of troops into the Garden of Gethsemane seeking to betray You with a kiss. But even these poignant words did not strike his soul, hardened in evil, with repentance. And, knowing the inconstancy of mine own will, I fear lest at any time I too give You the kiss of Judas, ungrateful as I am. But strengthen me by Your grace, that with the good thief I may ever cry out: Alleluia!
"I pray that they all may be one, as Thou. Father, art in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe." Thus You exclaimed in Your last great prayer to the Father. Following this, Your voice most sweet, and trusting in the power of Your prayer, with faith I cry to You:
Jesus, Who gathers all together as one, unite us all inseparably with You and Your Father;
Jesus, grant that we all abide in oneness of mind, in faith and in love for You.
Jesus, Who cannot abide enmity and division, destroy impious heresies and schisms;
Jesus, Who loves and has mercy upon all, gather all the lost sheep into one flock.
Jesus, Who gives peace to all, allay the envy and gainsaying among them that call upon Your name;
Jesus, Who gives me the Communion of Your very Body and Blood, may I be truly flesh of Your Flesh and bone of Your Bones.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
By turning water into wine at the wedding supper in Cana of Galilee, You manifested the first sign of Your divine power. Then, when about to depart to the Cross as the Bridegroom of souls, You manifested to them that believe the last miracle of Your love, by changing bread into Your Body; and wine into Your Blood, and nurtured thereby unto life eternal, I, too, thankfully cry out to You: Alleluia!
Jesus, Who gathers all together as one, unite us all inseparably with You and Your Father;
Jesus, grant that we all abide in oneness of mind, in faith and in love for You.
Jesus, Who cannot abide enmity and division, destroy impious heresies and schisms;
Jesus, Who loves and has mercy upon all, gather all the lost sheep into one flock.
Jesus, Who gives peace to all, allay the envy and gainsaying among them that call upon Your name;
Jesus, Who gives me the Communion of Your very Body and Blood, may I be truly flesh of Your Flesh and bone of Your Bones.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
By turning water into wine at the wedding supper in Cana of Galilee, You manifested the first sign of Your divine power. Then, when about to depart to the Cross as the Bridegroom of souls, You manifested to them that believe the last miracle of Your love, by changing bread into Your Body; and wine into Your Blood, and nurtured thereby unto life eternal, I, too, thankfully cry out to You: Alleluia!
On the day of Your resurrection, accompanying in the guise of a traveller two of Your disciples on the way to Emmaus, You instructed them in the mystery of Your Passion; but their eyes were restrained that they should not recognize You, though their hearts burned within them at the sweetness of Your words. But when, bowing to their request, You went to tarry with them, and having blessed the Bread, gave It to them, straightway their eyes were opened and they recognized You. Like those disciples, I, too, humbly make bold to raise my voice to You and shout:
Jesus long-suffering, forsake me not on the path of life because of the insufficiency of my faith.
Jesus, teach me, like them, to understand the prophecies concerning You and the mystery of union with You by grace;
Jesus, warm and inflame my cold heart, as You did those of Your disciples.
Jesus all-good, abide also with me, for the day of my life is far spent and it is towards evening.
Jesus, grant me to know You truly in the present breaking of the mystical Bread and in drinking from the Chalice;
Jesus, grant that even I, perceiving the power of Your love, may become a proclaimer thereof to my brethren.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
You have promised to give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God, to him that is victorious, and of the hidden manna. May I be prepared on earth for this heavenly fare by the Communion of Your Body and Blood, which as I now unworthily approach, I cry: Alleluia!
He that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Body and Blood of the Lord: so did the heaven-rapt Paul admonish them that approach for Communion. Wherefore, I, too, fear and tremble at mine unworthiness; yet lest, by separating myself for long from Your Communion, I fall prey to the spiritual wolves, I draw nigh to You with such a cry:
Jesus, receive me, as You received the publican, the harlot and the thief
Jesus, disdain not to enter under the roof of my soul, though it is all empty and fallen;
Jesus, open the eyes of my soul, as You opened the eyes of the man that was blind from birth;
Jesus, say to me too, as to the paralytic: Arise and walk;
Jesus, staunch the flow of the impure desires of my soul as You staunched the flow of the woman with an issue of blood;
Jesus, heal the leprosy of my soul and conscience.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
Through the envy of the devil who spoke through the mouth of the serpent, and through the eating of the forbidden fruit, the whole human race lost paradise and was given over to death. But by receiving Your most pure Body and Blood all men are again vouchsafed eternal life and rise up to their former state. For the Communion of Your life-creating Mysteries are an antidote against the venom of the serpent and is the seed of immortality. Wherefore, I thankfully cry out to You: Alleluia!
Lo! I stand before the vessel which holds Your divine Mysteries, yet I put not away mine evil thoughts. Your almighty grace alone heartens me and draws me on. Then, casting myself into the abyss of Your loving-kindness, I cry out:
Jesus, Who calls all that labour and are heavy laden to rest in You, receive me, who labour under the vanity of this world.
Jesus, Who came to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance, absolve me of my sins and passions;
Jesus, Who heals every infirmity and disease, heal the wounds and festering of my soul.
Jesus, Who satisfied the hungry, feed me with Your Body and Blood;
Jesus, Who raised the dead, quicken me who have been slain by my sins.
Jesus, Conqueror of hell, rescue me from the jaws of the spirit of malice.
Jesus, God of my heart, come and unite me to Yourself forever.
O Jesus most sweet and all-compassionate, Who forever descends like manna from heaven to nourish our souls and hearts in the mystery of Thy most pure Body and Blood: vouchsafe me to partake without condemnation Your Divine Mysteries, that, being redeemed, healed, nurtured, and sanctified by You forever, I may thankfully cry:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Amen.
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