667. 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 world's great Lord and King,
in a virgin's womb once 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! his word is making
earthly bread his flesh to be,
wine his blood; and all partaking
should from sinful thoughts be free.
Faith alone, sight's limits breaking,
show true hearts the mystery.

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

5 Unto God be praise and honour:
to the Father, to the Son,
to the mighty Spirit, glory,
ever Three and ever One:
power and glory in the highest
while eternal ages run. Amen.

Text Information
First Line: Now, my tongue, the mystery telling
Latin Title: Pange lingua gloriosi Corporis mysterium
Translator: Edward Caswall (1814-1878)
Meter: 87 87 87
Language: English
Publication Date: 2005
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: The Church Celebrates: Holy Communion; Christian Year: Maundy Thursday; Jesus: Word of God
Source: Alt. Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861
Notes: An alternative tune PICARDY is found at 666
Tune Information
Name: PANGE LINGUA
Meter: 87 87 87
Key: c minor or modal
Source: Mode iii (Sarum form); Harm.: compilers of Church Hymnary, 3rd edition, 1973



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