Hymn for the Feast of the Chair of Peter

Thou Art the Christ, O Lord


“Thou art the Christ, O Lord,
The Son of God most high!”
For ever be adored
That Name in earth and sky,
In which, though mortal strength may fail,
The saints of God at last prevail!

Oh, surely he was blest
With blessedness unpriced,
Who, taught of God, confessed
The Godhead in the Christ!
For of Thy Church, Lord, Thou didst own
Thy saint a true foundation stone.

Thrice was he put to shame,
Thrice did the dauntless fall;
But, oh, that look that came
From out the judgment hall!
It pierced and broke the spell-bound heart,
And foiled the tempter’s sifting art.

Thrice fallen, thrice restored!
The bitter lesson learnt,
That heart for Thee, O Lord,
With triple ardor burnt.
The cross he took he laid not down,
Until he grasped the martyr’s crown.

Oh, bright triumphant faith!
Oh, courage void of fears!
Oh, love most strong in death!
Oh, penitential tears!
By these, Lord, keep us lest we fall,
And make us go where Thou shalt call.