Verborgene Gegenwart und betrachtendes verweilen. Zur poetischen Theologie des Hymnus Adoro te devote
Hidden presence and contemplating dwelling. On a poetic Theology of a Hymn Adoro te devote

Summary/Abstract: The hymn Adoro te devote – an amazing testimony of Eucharistic piety from the Middle Ages – is different from other hymns such as Lauda Sion or Pange lingua which describe the Eucharist in a poetic way since it turns in a prayer directly to Christ present in the sign of bread. The author of the article points first of all at certain aspects of Eucharistic mentality of the Middle Ages which seem to be forgotten and which are extremely important also for modern-day poeple. The key to a theological analysis of the hymn is its structure. First of all faith is shown as a mean of an access to a hidden truth (latens veritas) followed by the consequence of this faith – life in Christ and with Christ. Finally the hymn introduces a praying person into an eschatological perspective – a desire to see the Risen Lord directly. The author analyssis the text in relation to other works of St. Thomas Aquinas and shows that nowadays the hymn Adoro te devote may be a precious assistance in getting closer to the mystery of the Eucharist.

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