For he is our sanctification, and our redemption; he is our comfort in our pilgrimage, and the saints' eternal enjoyment.
It is therefore much to be lamented that many take so little notice of this saving mystery, which rejoices heaven, and conserves the whole world.
Oh! the blindness and hardness of the heart of man, that doth not more consider so unspeakable a gift, and from the daily use of it falls into a disregard for it.
13. For if this most holy sacrament were only celebrated in one place, and consecrated by one only priest in the world, with how great desire dost thou think would men be affected to that place, and to such a priest of God, that they might see the divine mysteries celebrated?
But now there are made many priests, and Christ is offered up in many places, that the grace and love of God to man may appear by so much the greater, by how much this sacred communion is more spread throughout the world.
Thanks be to thee, O good Jesus, our eternal Shepherd, who hast vouchsafed to feed us poor exiles with thy precious body and blood, and to invite us to the receiving of these mysteries with the words of thy own mouth, saying; Come to me all you that labour, and are burthened, and I will refresh you. Matthew xi.
Chap. II.
That the great goodness and charity of God is shewed to man in this sacrament.
The Voice of the Disciple.