The heavenly Word, proceeding forth

The heavenly Word proceeding forth,
yet leaving not the Father's side,
accomplishing his work on earth
and reached at length life's eventide.

By false disciple to be given
to foemen for his life athirst,
himself, the very Bread from heaven,
he gave to his disciples first.

He gave himself in either kind,
his precious Flesh, his precious Blood:
in love's own fullness thus designed
of the whole man to be the Food.

By birth our fellow man was he,
our Food, when sitting at the board;
he died, our ransomer to be;
he ever reigns, our great reward.

O saving Victim, opening wide
the gate of heaven to man below:
our foes press on from every side;
thine aid supply, thy strength bestow.
All praise and thanks to thee ascend
for evermore, blest One in three;
O grant us life that shall not end
in our true native land with thee.

Words: Thomas Aquinas, 1263;
trans. verses 1-3, 6: Hymns Ancient & Modern;
based on that of John Mason Neale, 1854;
trans. verse 4: Hymns Ancient & Modern;
based on that of John Mason Neale, 1854;
, alt.;
trans. verse 5: Edward Caswall, 1849

Music: Melcombe Verbum supernum prodiens, Das walt' Gott, O salutaris hostia, St. Vincent

Meter: LM

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.