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O, Antiphons
As we approach and celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas, this final week (Dec. 17-23) leads us through the O Antiphons, the titles which prefigured and prepared the way for Jesus. In reverse order, the first letter of each Latin antiphon spells the phrase "ero cras": "tomorrow I come." As the verses below indicate, the readings for each of the Christmas Masses incorporate these names for our Savior.
How can we prepare ourselves to receive Christ anew into a world in need? Let us pray: O come, O come...
 O Sapientia, O Wisdom, O holy Word of God,
you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care:
Come and show your people the way to salvation.
"In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God." (Jn 1:1)
O Adonai, O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel,
who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush,
who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain:
Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
"From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (Jn 1:16-17)
O Radix Jesse, O Flower of Jesse's stem,
you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;
kings stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down in worship before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
"From this man's descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus." (Acts 13:23)
O Clavis David, O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel,
controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
Come, break down the prison walls of death
for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death;
and lead your captive people into freedom.
"His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David's throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever." (Is 9:6)
O Oriens, O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death.
"The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone." (Is 9:1)
O Rex Gentium, O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart;
O Keystone of the mighty arch of man:
Come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.
"The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory." (Ps 97: 1, 6)
O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver,
desire of the nations, Savior of all people:
Come and set us free, Lord our God.
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means 'God is with us.'" (Mt 1:23)
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Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that, as we are bathed in the new radiance
of your incarnate Word,
the light of faith which illumines our minds
may also shine through in our deeds.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
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Mission Statement
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform U.S. public policy related to peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights. |
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