January 23
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeFourth Week in Advent.—Monday
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the Blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the Body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:16.
THE uses of the Holy Communion are fourfold. It is the most powerful form of prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God, and that which is most pleasing to His sight, because it is the only kind of public worship ordained by His dear Son our Lord, and because in it our Lord offers Himself to His Father. We offer this sacrifice to Almighty God in four ways—1st, As an act of worship and reverence to Him as our God and King. 2nd, As a thanksgiving (this is the meaning of the word “Eucharist”) to Him as our Helper and Benefactor. 3rd, As a sin-offering to Him as our Judge, asking Him for pardon. 4th, As a prayer for mercies and good things which we need for ourselves or others, living or departed. And in whichever of these ways we offer it, we offer at the same time ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be given up entirely to God in union with Christ’s sacrifice, to do His will.
Jesus, gentlest Saviour! Thou art in us now; Fill us full of goodness Till our hearts o’erflow. Pray the prayer within us, That to heaven shall rise; Sing the song that Angels Sing above the skies.
Multiply our graces, Chiefly love and fear, And, dear Lord! the chiefest, Grace to persevere. O how can we thank Thee For a gift like this, Gift that truly makest Heaven’s eternal bliss!