"An Awe-Full Mystery Is Here"

                   by Matthias Loy, 1828-1915

                                 Text From:

                      THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL

        (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)







        1. An awe-full mystery is here

        To challenge faith and waken fear:

        The Savior comes as food divine,

        Concealed in earthly bread and wine.



        2. This world is loveless, -- but above,

        What wondrous boundlessness of love!

        The king of Glory stoops to me

        My spirit's life and strength to be.



        3. In consecrated wine and bread

        No eye perceives the mystery dread;

        But Jesus' words are strong and clear:

        "My body and My blood are here."



        4. How dull are all the powers of sense

        Employed on proofs of love immense!

        The richest food remains unseen,

        And highest gifts appear -- how mean!



        5. But here we have no boon on earth,

        And faith alone discerns its worth:

        The Word, not sense, must be our guide,

        And faith assure, since sight's denied.



        6. Lord, show us still that Thou art good

        And grant us evermore this food.

        Give faith to every wavering soul

        And make each wounded spirit whole.



        


        Notes:

        Hymn #304 from The Lutheran Hymnal

        Text: 1 Cor. 11: 23-25

        Author: Matthias Loy, 1880

        Composer: George J. Elvey, 1862

        Tune: St. Crispin