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Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling

Now, my tongue, the mystery telling

Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling is a hymn text by Thomas Aquinas (1264) in 8.7.8.7.8.7 meter. Translated by John F. Bampton. Found in h82 329, hs98 852, lsb 630, lw 197. Sung to PANGE LINGUA.

This hymn articulates the Lutheran understanding of the Real Presence in the Sacrament as taught in the Augsburg Confession, emphasizing both the mystery beyond human comprehension and the concrete presence of Christ's body and blood. It reflects medieval Catholic piety while remaining compatible with Lutheran sacramental theology.

History & Background

Thomas Aquinas composed this Latin hymn as part of the liturgical office for Corpus Christi around 1264. The English translation by John F. Bampton preserves the theological depth and eucharistic focus of the original medieval text.

Hymnal Appearances

  • The Hymnal 1982 — 329
  • Hymnal Supplement 98 — 852
  • Lutheran Service Book — 630
  • Lutheran Worship — 197
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 322

Translation

John F. Bampton

Bulletin Note

Written by Thomas Aquinas in 1264, this Latin hymn ('Lauda Sion Salvatorem') was adopted by the Lutheran Reformation as a faithful witness to Christ's Real Presence in communion, reconciling medieval Catholic devotion with Reformation theology.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Lutheran paradox: Christ's presence in the Sacrament is utterly real yet transcends human reason—a Gospel promise that dissolves doubt through grace rather than argument.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Incarnational mystery → Eucharistic presence → Trinitarian doxology; from Christ's redemptive flesh to sacramental encounter to eternal praise

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Quinquagesima (3×)
  • Trinity 12 (3×)
  • Trinity 5 (2×)
  • Lent 2 (1×)
  • Maundy Thursday (1×)
  • St. Joseph (1×)
  • Sts. Simon and Jude (1×)
  • Trinity 11 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Maundy Thursday (4×)
  • Epiphany (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Eucharist and Real Presence Mystery of faith Adoration of Christ Sacramental theology

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