Ecce panis angelorum

The words of this motet express profound meditation on the Eucharist, calling Jesus the bread of angels, made food for travellers, and the true bread of the children of God. The text draws parallels with Old Testament types: the sacrifice of Isaac, the Paschal lamb, and the manna given to the Israelites. The second part addresses Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the true bread, asking him to feed and protect us, and to let us see the good things in the land of the living, making us fellow diners, co-heirs and companions of the saints. Giovanni Croce’s setting for double SATB choir is a powerful and resonant exploration of this rich theological imagery.