AN INQUIRY ON THE PROPER THING TO DO BEFORE
COMMUNION
THE DISCIPLE
WHEN I consider Your dignity, O Lord, and my own meanness, I
become very much frightened and confused. For if I do not receive, I
fly from Life, and if I intrude unworthily, I incur Your displeasure.
What, then, shall I do, my God, my Helper and Adviser in necessity?
Teach me the right way. Place before me some short exercise suitable
for Holy Communion, for it is good to know in what manner I ought to
make my heart ready devoutly and fervently for You, to receive Your
Sacrament for the good of my soul, or even to celebrate so great and
divine a sacrifice. |
An inquiry concerning preparation for Communion
The Voice of the Disciple
When I consider Thy dignity, O Lord, and mine own
vileness, I tremble very exceedingly, and am confounded within
myself. For if I approach not, I fly from life; and if I intrude
myself unworthily, I run into Thy displeasure. What then shall I do,
O my God, Thou helper and Counsellor in necessities.
2. Teach Thou me the right way; propound unto me
some short exercise befitting Holy Communion. For it is profitable to
know how I ought to prepare my heart devoutly and reverently for Thee,
to the intent that I may receive Thy Sacrament to my soul's health [or
it may be also for the celebrating this so great and divine mystery]. |