Hymns Modern & Ancient

159: Most ancient of all mysteries

(Tune: "St. Flavian" from Psalms - 1562)

 

© Pharisaios Publications 2001 Most ancient of all mysteries
before thy safe we kneel,
for you are locked away from sight
despite thy presence real.
 
Enclosed behind the aumbry door
is consecrated wine,
along with wafers that were white,
thy body all divine.
 
The light that burns throughout the week
reminds us you are there,
and so we pause and genuflect,
and move about with care.
 
We store you up for urgent need,
that rarely comes along,
though we're aware you will go off
if kept there overlong.
 
We hold the truth as taught to us
by clerics old and wise,
that once the magic words are said,
things change before our eyes.
 
So we continue forward with faith
that from our fathers came,
ensuring rite and ritual
forever stays the same.