In this sacrament spiritual grace is given, and strength which was lost restored in the soul, and the beauty disfigured by sin returns again.
This grace is sometimes so great, that not only the mind, but the weak body also, feeleth great increase of strength.
10. Our coldness and negligence is much to be bewailed, that we are not drawn with greater affection to receive Christ, in whom all the hope and merit of those that are to be saved consists.
For he is our sanctification and redemption: he is the comforter of us travellers, and the everlasting fruition of saints.
O the blindness and hardness of man’s heart, that doth not more deeply weigh so unspeakable a gift!
11. If the most holy sacrament was celebrated in one place only, and consecrated by one only person in the world, with how great desire would men be affected to that place, and to such a priest, that they might enjoy these divine mysteries!
But now there are many priests, and Christ is offered in many places; that so the grace and love of God to men may appear greater, the more this sacred communion is spread through the world.
Thanks be unto thee gracious Jesus, the everlasting shepherd, who hast vouchsafed to refresh us poor exiles with thy precious body and blood, and to invite us to the receiving of these mysteries with the words of thine own mouth, saying, Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.