There the Saviour prays at the same time as
Victim and as Priest. As Victim, His Blood



The EtLcharist and Prayer. 53

which flows cries louder than that of the altar,
and the perfume of His Prayer is more pene-
trating, moi:e balmy, more sweet, than that
which rises from the censer. As Priest, His
Voice, which intercedes, has a more touching
harmony, a more sonorous vibration, than
the concerted voices of angels and men.
As Victim and Priest, the double note of
His Canticle pierces the clouds, and ascends
even to God.
So then, Christian soul, when assisting
at this sacred mystery, pray as if yourself
were victim and priest. Alas, our feeble
nature is always a living host, and God
provides in each of us a victim for the
sacrifice. Endeavour to turn all your suf-
ferings into hymns of love and praise. Then,
ofiering yourself, endeavour to participate in
some way in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.
— When it is a question of sacrificing our-
selves, God has consecrated us all priests. —
Take into your hands the chalice of the altar :
love to pour into it your tears and your blood !



i



54 The Eucharist and the Christian Life.
Ah ! I tell you in truth, your sacrifice united
with the sacrifice of a God, will become an
excellent prayer — ^the actual prayer of the
Eucharist. But if, when assisting at Holy
Mass, you pray, ah ! how much better still
when you receive Holy Communion.
