"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." - John 6:51
O Ancient, Everlasting Love
Father, Son, and Holy Dove
Veiled above in blinding Light.
Three Voices, One harmony sung
Through the Word creation sprung
Ringing from the celestial Home.
But fallen by the apple's rot
Man in slavery was caught
Sin, the darkness of the night.
Angel of Death o'er Egypt flew
While the Paschal Lamb was slew,
Blood upon the doorposts spread.
With staff in hand and loins girt
They ate with haste the bitter herbs,
Partaking of Unleavened Bread.
Lost in the desert they were given
Holy Manna, Bread from Heaven
While to Israel they rode.
Upon Mount Sinai they received
Commandments that the LORD decreed
While in the Ark He chose to dwell.
Thus came the priests, prophets and kings
The Temple and burnt offerings
Yet the People went astray.
"Til the Blessed Virgin Mary
Told God "yes," fiat mihi
Word made flesh inside her womb.
First miracle at her request
Water into wine, the best
Jesus Christ, both God and man.
Restoring sight and withered limbs,
With five loaves He fed thousands
'Ere He tread upon the sea.
And so they flocked unto the Man,
"Feed us with your bread again!"
Longing just to have their fill.
"Unless my flesh becomes your bread
Surely you will end up dead,
For, I AM your one, true meal.
Yes, if you want your life to last
Drink my blood, gnaw my flesh.
Don't believe? Then leave,
but this is real."
From that time on they plotted to kill,
Jesus Christ on Calvary's hill,
Making Cross and Altar one.
Both Priest and Victim, great "I AM"
The wedding feast of the Lamb,
Consummated in His Blood.
Three days hence, He rose again
Conquering death, defeating sin
The Living God to reveal.
En route to Emmaus He appeared
In the bread He blessed, broke and shared
Sacrament Sweet, Myst'ry Divine
Until our time the incense rises
As God His own Crown despises
To become our daily bread.
Sacred Host in golden throne
As Angels hymns of praise intone
Word made flesh before our eyes.
Precious Blood, saving libation
We fall down in adoration.
O, Covenant of the Incarnation
Inebriate us with Your Love.
