O Jesu, Thou Hast Been Our One Dwelling-Place

A number of people have asked about the hymn of the day that was sung at my retirement mass on June 9th. It is my own composition, composed and written for the celebration of the cornerstone centennial celebration of St. Paul’s in Kewanee in 2003. The hymn is based on Psalm 90. To hear the hymn sung by congregation and choir, see the video in my recent post, 27:01 to 33:30.

5. As grass which is withered So are we consumed,

Thy wrath ever troubling, Till we be entombed.

But mercy extendeth O’er all Thou hast made,

So be our Deliv’rer, From death be our Shade.

6. Through life be Thou our Strength Lest we fly away,

Thy help making long and Eternal our days.

So teach us to number Our years, and apply

To Wisdom Incarnate, Our hearts, as they sigh.

7. O feed us, have mercy; Turn darkness to Day;

By Thy mercy’s dawning Send sorrow away.

Awaken us, show us The Father in Thee,

And in this same likeness Ourselves let us see.

8. Let Beauty upon us, This flesh of Thy flesh,

Thy work of redemption, Be worked in our breast.

By this shall we ever,   Established in Thee,

Dwell in this Thy mansion To eternity.