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Of the Glorious Body Telling

Of the glorious Body telling

This hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of the Real Presence in the Eucharist, emphasizing the mystery of Christ's body and blood in the sacrament while avoiding excessive rationalism. It reflects the catechetical importance of the Sacrament of the Altar in Lutheran piety and theology.

History & Background

Originally written as part of Aquinas's liturgical office for Corpus Christi (Lauda Sion Salvatorem), this sequence was composed in the 13th century for the newly established feast. Neale's translation first appeared in his Hymnal Noted (1851) and became standard in English hymnody.

Hymnal Appearances

  • The Hymnal 1982 — 329
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 120

Translation

John Mason Neale

Bulletin Note

Composed by St. Thomas Aquinas in 1263, this hymn originally belonged to the liturgy for Corpus Christi. Its melody, Lauda Sion, became a cornerstone of Eucharistic hymnody in both Catholic and Lutheran traditions.

Preaching Connection

This hymn deepens proclamation of the Gospel by anchoring the promise of forgiveness not in abstract doctrine but in the tangible mystery of Christ's flesh and blood given for us at the altar.

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

Themes

Eucharist Christ's presence Sacramental theology Adoration Mystery of faith

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