This week, I begin a twelve part reflection on the “Anima Christi” in this time of Eucharistic revival. I hope to weave this in with the Sunday readings and some of the Eucharistic themes that we encounter in the hymns we sing. The Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) has been attributed to St.Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), but historians say that it predates Ignatius by as much as a century-and-a-half. Also, a long tradition tells us that it was a favorite of his.
The first part: Soul of Christ, sanctify me
The very soul of Jesus Christ blesses us each time the consecrated host is elevated at Mass. The good shepherd who is Christ himself, as John’s gospel reminds us this weekend, lays down his life for the sheep. In the hymn, “Take and Eat” by Michael Jonas, we sing in verse 3, “I am the Lamb that takes away your sin; I am the gate that guards you night and day”. When the host is elevated, we are blessed and our venial sins are washed away in the blood of Christ. We complete the acknowledgement of this reality, when we come forth to receive the Lord in the Eucharist.
And then in verse 4, we hear, “I am the cornerstone that God has laid; A chosen stone and precious in his eyes”. After we have been blessed, and receive the precious body and blood of our Lord, our hearts become the dwelling place of God himself. Therefore, we become Christ to one another. Imagine, we are the living stones. Therefore, we become Christ’s body. With all the members present, we become the church of Christ! This mystery is so amazing. The more we are aware of this reality, the more we live IN Christ, as St. Augustine points out in his writings.