Sequence 62. The Transfiguration of Our Lord

August 6th.
LET us joy and jubilation
In devoutest celebration
Of this sacred feast display ;
To exalt the King of Heaven,
Now by all this Church be given
Praise and honour to this day.

On this festal day, as witness
To us, of His glory's brightness
Christ the plainest tokens gave ;
For this stor/s due narration
All the grace of His salvation
Fully, freely may we have !

Christ then, mighty God, Bestower
Of all Ufe, and death's O'erthrower,
Very Sun of Righteousness,
Flesh that from a Virgin He deigned to seek,
On this day transfigured on Thabor's peak,
Doth in brightest glory dress.

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR lORD. 147
Blessed fount of good things given !

Such to all that enter heaven
Will the resurrection be.

As the sun shines when it is at its height,
So the God-man's features were shining bright,
As we in the Gospel see.

There His sacred vesture's whiteness
Told of future glory's brightness,
And of God incarnate now.

Over all Thine honour towers
Wondrously, and wondrous powers
Doth, O God ! Thy greatness show !

And, when Christ, God's Word from heaven,
Proof to Peter thus had given.

And the sons of Zebedee,
Of the greatness of His glory,
Lo ! they, — Luke attests the story, —
Moses and Elias see.

Matthew gives us information
Of these holding conversation
There with God, God's Son most high :
Very fitting, very holy,
Was such speech, and pleasant truly,
Filled with full felicity.

'Tis a day most celebrated,
Thus by God's voice consecrated ;
High distinction hath it won !

See the cloud about them gather,
Hear the utterance of the Father ;
" This is My Beloved Son ! "
Hear ye all God's voice supernal ;
It hath words of life eternal ;
O'er the world His word is king ;
Christ, the Lord of all creation,
Saints' bright light and earth's salvation,
Light that lighteth everything !

Christ, the Father's Word from heaven,
Who destroys the stern right given
'Gainst us to our wicked foe,
That dire serpent, who, soul-killing
Poison into Eve instilling.

Wounded all men here below.
We were healed by Christ's death for us,
While His rising did restore us
To new life, and death's power o'er us
Thereby utterly destroy.

Christ it is, our peace supernal,
Lord of heaven and realms infernal,
Whom God thus His voice paternal
To acknowledge did employ.

Those three fathers before stated
By that voice are agitated,
And upon the earth prostrated,
When comes forth its wondrous tone.

Christ at length toward them turning,
They arise, but glances yearning,
Cast around them, thus discerning
Suddenly Christ left alone.

Christ desiring these things hidden.
They to tell them were forbidden.

Till, as life's restorer glorious.
Over life's dread foe victorious,
Life by death should rise again.

Worthy praise the day is truly.
Whereon signs are wrought so holy !

O may Christ, his Father's splendour.
Through his mother's blest prayers render
Free from death the sons of men !

Father ! Son ! to Thee in heaven,
Holy Spirit ! unto Thee,
Praise and honour due be given.

And supremest majesty ! Amen.