Tantum Ergo
Tantum ergo Sacramentum
The 'Tantum Ergo' encapsulates Aquinas's sacramental theology: the new rite supersedes the ancient document (the Old Testament sacrificial system), and faith supplies what the senses cannot grasp. This resonates deeply with Lutheran theology of Word and Sacrament — the priority of faith over sight. The Trinitarian doxology grounds sacramental devotion in proper theology, insisting that Eucharistic piety is always in service of the triune God. The closing 'compar sit laudatio' (equal praise) is a concise trinitarian confession.
History & Background
The 'Tantum Ergo' comprises the final two stanzas of Thomas Aquinas's 'Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium,' composed in 1264 for the newly instituted feast of Corpus Christi. These two stanzas became the most widely used portion of the hymn, traditionally sung during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament when the congregation kneels. The text masterfully compresses sacramental and trinitarian theology: faith supplying what the senses cannot grasp, and a ringing doxology to the Trinity grounding all Eucharistic devotion properly.
Hymnal Appearances
- Worship IV — 490
Bulletin Note
Composed by Thomas Aquinas in 1264 for the feast of Corpus Christi; traditional hymn of Benediction in the Catholic Church for centuries.
Preaching Connection
The Reformation dispute about the Sacrament was never about whether Christ is present but about the nature of that presence — and 'Tantum Ergo' agrees with Luther that faith, not the senses, is the organ of sacramental reception.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Communion Small Catechism — Holy Communion
Themes
Eucharist faith Trinity adoration sacrament Corpus Christi