Act of Faith.
O Saviour of mankind! comest Thou to me, and shall I have the happiness to receive Thee? Who could believe such a miracle of love, so wonderful a condescension, if Thou Thyself hadst not said it? Yes, O Lord, Thou whom I am to receive in this august sacrament, born for my sake in a stable, was pleased to die for me on the cross; and glorious in heaven, art still concealed under these mysterious veils. I firmly believe this profound mystery of Thy real presence; I believe it, because Thou who art truth itself hast said it. I believe it, and though it is wholly incomprehensible to reason, and impenetrable to human understanding, I submit my senses and my reason in the obedience of faith. Verily, Thou art a hidden God, the God of Israel, the Saviour.
Act of Humility.
Who am I, O God of glory and Majesty! who am I that Thou shouldst deign even to look on my unworthiness? Whence this supreme happiness, this unbounded goodness, that Thou shouldst condescend to visit me? I am but a wretched sinner, more contemptible than nothingness itself, and yet I dare approach so holy a God, and partake of the bread of angels! Ah, Lord, I do not deserve this mark of Thy predilection, this additional proof of Thy tenderness and love. King of heaven, author and preserver of the world! I annihilate myself before Thee. With profound humility, I acknowledge Thy sovereign greatness and my extreme wretchedness. This consideration covers me with inexpressible awe and confusion, O my loving Lord; I confess with humble sincerity that I am but dust and ashes, and that I am wholly unworthy of the ineffable favor Thou deignest now to confer upon me. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof.