By Sr. Fidelis
During this 4th week of Lent, we look at another one of Jesus’ teachings, taken from the Gospel of John. “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in me and I in him, says the Lord.” Scripture tells us that this was a hard saying, indeed. The Jews murmured against Jesus and disputed amongst themselves. But through the lens of Lent and approaching Holy Week, we see Jesus’ loving preparing them, even if they did not understand, for what he was about to do in the Sacrament of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday.
This Communion piece gives us a greater understanding of Jesus’ words. Set in Mode 6, the opening intonation rises quickly, giving a sense of energy and joy, which then peaks on the words sanguinem meam (my blood). Here is a loving invitation to dwell in him. Then, the most important words of all, et ego in eo (and I in him), give a sense of humility and intimacy in their low range. The piece ends with a lovely descending passage to its’ final cadence. Listen to Qui manducat.
Qui Manducat (Communion Mode 6B)
