Poems About Holy Communion: Nourishing the Soul Through Words

Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is a sacred sacrament in Christianity that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It is a symbolic act of consuming bread and wine, representing the body and blood of Christ. The depth of this spiritual experience has inspired poets throughout the ages to craft verses that capture the essence of this holy ritual. In this article, we will explore a selection of poignant and thought-provoking poems that delve into the significance of Holy Communion.

1. "The Altar" by George Herbert

"The Altar", a renowned poem by George Herbert, is a profound meditation on the Eucharist. In this sonnet, Herbert uses the visual imagery of an altar to depict the heart of the poet as a place of sacrifice and devotion. Each line is shaped to resemble an altar, presenting a visual representation of the poem's central theme. The poem explores the transformative power of the Eucharist, where the poet seeks to offer his heart as a spiritual offering on the altar of God's grace.

Example:

A broken ALTAR, Lord thy servant rears,
Made of a HEART, and cemented with TEARS:
Whose parts are as thy hand did frame;
No workman's tool hath touch'd the same.
A HEART alone
Is such a stone,
As nothing but
Thy pow'r doth cut.
Wherefore each part
Of my hard HEART MEETS in this frame,
To praise thy NAME:
That, if I chance to hold my peace,
These stones to praise thee may not cease.
O let thy blessed SACRIFICE be mine,
And sanctify this ALTAR to be thine.

2. "Love" by George Herbert

George Herbert's "Love" is another notable poem that explores the significance of Holy Communion. The poem depicts the intimate connection between the soul and God during the Eucharist. It reflects on the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly offered his body and blood for the redemption of humanity. Herbert's powerful imagery and metaphors beautifully convey the transformative experience of partaking in Holy Communion.

Example:

Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack'd anything.

"A guest," I answer'd, "worthy to be here";
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee."
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"

"Truth, Lord; but I have marr'd them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "Who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste my meat."
So I did sit and eat.

3. "The Holy Communion" by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Gerard Manley Hopkins, a renowned Victorian poet, also delved into the theme of Holy Communion in his poem "The Holy Communion". This poem reflects on the profound mystery of the Eucharist, emphasizing the transformative power of consuming the body and blood of Christ. Hopkins' use of vivid imagery and complex language adds depth to the poem, inviting readers to contemplate the spiritual significance of the sacrament.

Example:

Not as men we are clad or craft,
But as one for whom none pray'd
And for whom none ever shall,
Wanted, not having, all
Tasted, consumed, comsumed, consumed,
Uttered, awaked, consumed, consumed.

Not as men we are drunk or dight,
But as one full of the groan,
Gone, O gone, all gone, all gone,
Gone, consumed, consumed, consumed,
Uttered, awaked, consumed, consumed.

The sacrament of Holy Communion holds immense spiritual significance for Christians worldwide. Through the power of poetry, these selected poems have captured the essence of this sacred ritual. From George Herbert's introspective meditations to Gerard Manley Hopkins' enigmatic verses, these poets invite readers to reflect on the transformative and nourishing nature of Holy Communion. These verses not only offer solace and inspiration but also deepen our understanding of this divine sacrament.