Common Praise (1998) ‎#50

50. Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling

1 Now, my tongue, the mystery telling
of the glorious body sing,
and the blood, all price excelling,
which the nations' Lord and King,
once on earth among us dwelling,
shed for this world's ransoming.

2 That last night, at supper lying,
with the twelve, his chosen band,
Jesus, with the law complying,
keeps the feast its rites demand;
then, more precious food supplying,
gives himself with his own hand.

3 Word made flesh, by word he maketh
very bread his flesh to be,
wine his blood for whoso taketh;
and if senses fail to see,
faith alone the true heart waketh,
to behold the mystery.

4 Therefore we, before him bending,
this great sacrament revere;
types and shadows have their ending,
for the newer rite is here;
faith, our outward sense befriending,
makes our inner vision clear.

5 Glory let us give, and blessing,
to the Father and the Son;
honour, thanks, and praise addressing
while eternal ages run,
and the Spirit's power confessing,
who from both with both is one.

Text Information

• First Line: Now, my tongue, the mystery telling
• Title: Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling
• Translator: Edward Caswall (1814-1878) (alt.)
• Author (attributed to): Thomas Aquinas (1225?-1274)
• Meter: 87 87 87
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1998
• Scripture:
  Matthew 26:26-29
  ;
  Mark 14:22-25
  ;
  Luke 22:14-20
  ;
  1 Corinthians 11:23-26
• Topic: Eucharist; liturgical: Communion Songs; Adoration; Holy Week: Maundy Thursday
• Notes: Alt tune: PANIS VITAE 75

Tune Information

• Name: PANGE LINGUA
• Harmonizer: John H. Arnold (1887-1956)
• Meter: 87 87 87
• Key: c minor or modal
• Source: Mechlin plainsong, Mode 3
• Copyright: Harm. © Oxford University Press