angels.” Homil. iii. in c. 1. ad Ephes. T. xi. p. 21. “This table supplies the place of the manger; for even here shall lie the body of our Lord, not wrapped in swaddling clothes, as then, but surrounded on all sides by the Holy Spirit. They that are initiated understand these things. The Magi, or wise men did nothing but adore ; but thou, if thou comest with a pure conscience, wilt be permitted to take him to thyself.” Orat. de B. Philogonio, T. 1. p. 498.—“The servants of Job, to shew their love of him, said : Who will give us of his flesh, that we may be filled ? (xxxi. 31.) In like manner, Christ gave us his flesh, that with it we may be filled, and inflamed with the love of him. This body, lying in the manger, the wise men reverenced, --seeing no such thing as thou seest : thou dost not see him in the manger, but on the altar--nor dost thou only see him, but moreover thou touchest him, nay, thou eatest him, and receiving, carriest home. Cleanse then thy soul from all defilement, and prepare thyself to receive these mysteries.” Hom. xxiv. in 1 Cor. T.x. p. 218, 219.—“Wonderful! The table is spread with mysteries; the Lamb of God is slain for thee; and the spiritual blood flows from the sacred table. The spiritual fire comes down from heaven; the blood in the chalice is drawn from the spotless side for thy purification. Thinkest thou, that thou seest bread that thou seest wine? that these things pass off as other foods do? Far be it from thee to think so.But as wax brought near to the fire loses its former substance, which no longer
