A Prayer for After Mass – by St. Thomas Aquinas

I give thanks to Thee, O Lord, most holy, Father almighty, eternal God, that Thou hast vouchsafed, for no merit of mine own, but out of Thy pure mercy, to appease the hunger of my soul with the precious body and blood of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Humbly I implore Thee, let not this holy communion be to me an increase of guilt unto my punishment, but an availing plea unto pardon and salvation. Let it be to me the armour of faith and the shield of good will. May it root out from my heart all vice; may it utterly subdue my evil passions and all my unruly desires. May it perfect me in charity and patience; in humility and obedience; and in all other virtues. May it be my sure defence against the snares laid for me by my enemies, visible and invisible. May it restrain and quiet all my evil impulses, and make me ever cleave to Thee Who art the one true God. May I owe to it a happy ending of my life. And do Thou, O heavenly Father, vouchsafe one day to call me, a sinner, to that ineffable banquet, where Thou, together with Thy Son and the Holy Ghost, art to Thy saints true and unfailing light, fullness of content, joy for evermore, gladness without alloy, consummate and everlasting happiness. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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Deeper understanding of A Prayer for After Mass – by St. Thomas Aquinas

The Prayer for After Mass, also known as the Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas, is a Catholic prayer that speaks to the importance of spiritual nourishment through the Eucharist. The prayer is believed to have been written by St. Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian and doctor of the Church, in the 13th century.

St. Thomas Aquinas was a prolific writer and thinker whose work had a significant impact on Catholic theology and philosophy. He is best known for his contributions to the study of theology, particularly in the areas of faith and reason, and his teachings on the nature of God and the Eucharist.

The Prayer for After Mass is a reflection on the spiritual significance of the Eucharist and the importance of living a life of faith and devotion. The prayer asks for God’s grace and guidance in living out the teachings of the Church, and for the strength to live a life of holiness and virtue.

Today, the Prayer for After Mass remains an important part of Catholic spirituality and devotion. It is often recited after Mass as a way of expressing gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist and asking for God’s guidance in living a life of faith and obedience to His will. The prayer serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the Eucharist and the importance of continual spiritual nourishment in the life of a Catholic.