This prayer touches us on a profound level. The words are most sacred and, with the Spirit’s help, they can lead us into an immediate union with Christ. The Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) has been attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), but historians say that it predates Ignatius by as much as a century-and-a-half. Also, a long tradition tells us that it was a favorite of his. In many cases, in fact, it served as the opening prayer of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. This sacred prayer is sublime and seems to transcend all time, all centuries.
| Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds, hide me. Let me never be separated from you. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me, And bid me come to you, That with your saints I may praise you Forever and ever. Amen. | Anima Christi, Sanctifica me Corpus Christi, Salva me Sanguis Christi, Inebria me Aqua lateris Christi, Lava me Passio Christi, Conforta me O Bone Jesu, Exaudi me Intra tua vulnera absconde me Ne permittas me separari a te Ab hoste maligno defende me In hora mortis mei voca me Et jube me venire ad te Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te In saecula saeculorum. Amen. |
Line by Line – Breaking the Anima Christi down line-by-line, I will reflect briefly on each of them.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. O Jesus, may your soul—vast as the universe—invade my whole being and draw me closer to you.
Body of Christ, save me. I open myself to your love. Embrace me with your healing and transforming power. I am especially moved by this prayer when I reflect on it after receiving the body and blood of Christ at Holy Communion—or after Mass has ended.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me. You have redeemed me, Jesus, by your blood shed upon the cross. At the Eucharist, I receive that blood in the form of wine. Your burning love is so overwhelming that I become intoxicated by the intensity of your love for me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Yes, Jesus, let the water flowing from your side cleanse me, as did the life-giving water that flowed over me at Baptism. And may this saving stream never stop flowing through me!
Passion of Christ, strengthen me. It is your power, and not my own, that heals me and makes me strong. As the psalmist says, “Unless the LORD build the house, they labor in vain who build” (Ps 127:1). Your strength alone is my source of hope.
O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds hide me. I experience something very mystical and intimate, Jesus, when I hide there.
Let me never by separated from you. Loving Savior, these words express for me the most central theme of the Anima Christi. Keep me aware that this is not so much a gaining of information about you, O Jesus, as it is a growing into a more intimate love union with you.
From the malignant enemy, defend me. These words are similar to the closing words of the Our Father, which teach me to say: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Loving Lord, set me free from any malignant force that separates me from you—and from life itself!
In the hour of my death, call me, and bid me come to you that, with your saints, I may praise you for ever and ever. Amen. Jesus, I need your help to reach my final destination in your heavenly kingdom. Stay with me to the end so I can join in singing your praises with all who are saved by your overflowing and immense love!
23 The 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
From a Catholic perspective, Psalm 23, with its imagery of a shepherd and sheep, is often seen as a powerful reflection of the relationship between God and humanity, particularly in the context of Jesus the Good Shepherd. The psalm speaks of God’s provision, guidance, and protection, mirroring the Church’s understanding of God’s grace and the spiritual journey towards salvation.
Here’s a breakdown of key elements and their Catholic interpretations:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
This is a foundational statement of trust and reliance on God. In Catholic tradition, this highlights the need for God’s grace and his constant presence in our lives.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
This symbolizes God’s provision for our needs, both physical and spiritual. It can be interpreted as a reminder of the abundance of grace and blessings available to us through faith and prayer.
“He leads me beside still waters.”
This speaks of the peace and tranquility that come from living in God’s presence and trusting in his guidance. It also relates to the spiritual practice of contemplation and seeking God’s will.
“He restores my soul.”
This highlights God’s ability to heal and mend our wounded spirits. It’s a reminder of the sacraments, especially Confession, and God’s forgiveness, which allows us to experience true healing and renewal.
“He guides me in paths of righteousness.”
This emphasizes God’s role as our guide and teacher, helping us to live a life aligned with his will. It also underscores the importance of the Church’s moral teachings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
This powerful verse speaks of the presence of God in times of suffering and hardship. It affirms the belief in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life, even in the face of death.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
This imagery can be seen as a reflection of the Eucharist, where we are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ. It also speaks of God’s protection and support in the face of opposition and trials.
“You anoint my head with oil.”
This symbolizes the sacramental anointing, particularly Holy Unction (Anointing of the Sick), which provides strength and comfort in times of illness or suffering.
“My cup overflows.”
This suggests the abundance of grace and blessings that are available to us through God’s love and mercy.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
This final statement speaks of the ultimate goal of the spiritual life: union with God in heaven. It affirms the hope of eternal life and the promise of God’s eternal presence.
In essence, Psalm 23 offers a powerful framework for understanding the Christian faith and the relationship between God and humanity. It’s a prayer that can be used for personal reflection, as well as a source of comfort and inspiration during times of trial and joy.