We hear this hymn on Sundays before approaching the chalice to receive Holy Communion.
“Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, receive me today as a communicant.” – we are offering a prayer that we be accepted, county worthy, of receiving the very Body and Blood of our God. St. Paul says that receiving unworthily – not being accepted – is not unto our salvation, but unto our condemnation.
“For I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies” – it’s related to our Lord’s statement one time about not throwing pearls before swine. The Church is not a gnostic group with secret teachings only for the initiated, but the reality of life in God is that the works and ways of God are hidden and incomprehensible for those who are not close to Him.
“Nor will I give Thee a kiss as did Judas.” – we go on to state, to pledge really, that we will not turn our back on our Lord. Here we promise not to betray our God, which includes our daily struggle to put sin in all of its forms behind us and to cling to following Christ.
“But like the thief do I confess Thee: remember me O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.” – to be in the memory of God is to participate in His salvation. The thief didn’t ask for salvation, he asked to be remembered in the Kingdom, and Christ responded: “today you will be with Me in Paradise.” No matter what our circumstances, even if we’re hanging on a cross, in our love for God our response is to confess Him.
