On the Eucharist

From A Letter to the Entire Order, St. Francis of Assisi

Let everyone be struck with fear,
let the whole world tremble,

and let the heavens exult

when Christ, the son of the living God,

is present on the altar in the hands of a priest!

Oh wonderful loftiness and stupendous dignity!
O sublime humility!
O humble sublimity!
The Lord of the universe,
God and the Son of God,

so humbles Himself

that for our salvation

He hides Himself

under an ordinary piece of bread!
Brothers, look at the humility of God,

and pour out your hearts before Him!
Humble yourselves
that you may be exalted by Him!
Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves,
that He Who gives Himself totally to you
may receive you totally.