Consider the self-sacrificing benevolence of Our Divine Lord in uniting Himself with the species of bread and wine in the Holy Eucharist. On account of the lowliness of these forms there is involved, in a sense, a greater self- abnegation than even in the mystery of the Incarnation.
The nature of man is infinitely inferior to the divine nature, but still it bears a considerable resemblance to it; human nature is at least living and intelligent. In the Holy Sacrament the Divinity is concealed under the appearance of dead substance of insignificant value. From His throne in heaven Our Lord descends to the lowest grade of created objects. He lays aside even the dignity of man, such as it is, and becomes in appearance inanimate, helpless, absolutely at the disposal of man; He leaves Himself exposed to neglect, contempt and outrage, and He actually endures the most terrible profanations during century after century. Truly there is no depth to which Our Lord is not ready to descend for love of us; there is no sacrifice too great for His devotedness. Consider this, and thank Him for it. Consider how grudging has been your service of Him; how unwilling you are to surrender anything of your possessions, your dignity, your comfort for Him. Make Him such a return as you can; prepare to make sacrifices if He demands them; abase yourself before Him, and say, "I will make myself meaner than I have done, and I will be little in my own eyes" (2 Kings vi. 22).
The nature of man is infinitely inferior to the divine nature, but still it bears a considerable resemblance to it; human nature is at least living and intelligent. In the Holy Sacrament the Divinity is concealed under the appearance of dead substance of insignificant value. From His throne in heaven Our Lord descends to the lowest grade of created objects. He lays aside even the dignity of man, such as it is, and becomes in appearance inanimate, helpless, absolutely at the disposal of man; He leaves Himself exposed to neglect, contempt and outrage, and He actually endures the most terrible profanations during century after century. Truly there is no depth to which Our Lord is not ready to descend for love of us; there is no sacrifice too great for His devotedness. Consider this, and thank Him for it. Consider how grudging has been your service of Him; how unwilling you are to surrender anything of your possessions, your dignity, your comfort for Him. Make Him such a return as you can; prepare to make sacrifices if He demands them; abase yourself before Him, and say, "I will make myself meaner than I have done, and I will be little in my own eyes" (2 Kings vi. 22).
