The Word, come forth from heaven’s height,
Yet leaving not the Father’s right,
And going out in working strength,
To His life’s evening comes at length.
His rivals have His death trap laid—
For His disciple has betrayed—
But first, the Food of life, Himself,
He handed over to the Twelve.
He gave Himself to them as Food
In twofold form of Flesh and Blood,
That He might meet their total need:
Their human twofold substance feed.
When born, He gave Himself as Friend;
As Food, when dining at the end;
As Ransom in His sacrifice;
As King, He gives Himself as prize.
O Victim, Who by dying saves,
Who paths through heaven’s portals paves,
Our enemies are close arrayed:
Give us Your strength and timely aid
Eternal glory ever be
To You, O One and Trinity,
And give us life that has no end
When to our homeland we ascend. Amen.