Dear Pilgrims of Hope, a reflection on the “Great O Antiphons” as we continue our countdown to the Jubilee 2025:
Liturgically, we are moving into the second part of Advent (17-23 December). By now you may have noticed that the first part of this season focussed on the end of time, when Christ will come again in glory, to judge the living and the dead. Over the next seven days, the focus will be on the first coming of Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, in Bethlehem.
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| The Nativity Scene at the Vatican 2024 From Grado, a Lagoon Centre in the province of Gorizia |
Following an ancient tradition, the Church prepares in earnest for the Nativity of Our Lord with the “O Antiphons” (taking its name from the first word of the antiphons). It is most commonly found in the Advent Hymn appropriate for this time, "O come, o come, Emmanuel". You may also encounter these invocations in some format as the Gospel Acclamation at Mass every day this week. The “O Antiphons” are used in their original form by those who recite the Liturgy of the Hours, during Vespers (Evening Prayer), with the singing of the Magnificat, which was Our Lady’s song of praise to God, who had remembered his mercy (cf. Luke 1:46-55).
In a similar way, the “O Antiphons” bring together the hope of all the ages. These antiphons capture the longing for salvation of the People of God, by making reference to some Old Testament Messianic hopes, like that of Isaiah (11:1-3),
A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse…on him the spirit of the Lord rests, a spirit of wisdom and insight, a spirit of counsel and power, a spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is his delight.
The “O Antiphons”, ever ancient, ever new, also express the deepest longings and desires of our own time, helping us to join that cry of the Church echoed throughout the ages, Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
Try repeating these antiphons quietly even outside the Liturgy, in a prayerful and meditative way, as part of your personal prayer this Advent, and discover again the reason for the season. In this way, we would be making a pilgrimage of hope to Christmas, as we await the birth of the Saviour, who always remains true to his promises.
The Pilgrim
Fr Runaine James Radine
17 December 2024
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The “O Antiphons”
Taken from https://www.usccb.org/prayers/o-antiphons-advent
December 17
O Sapientia!
O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!
December 18
O Adonai!
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
December 19
O Radix Jesse!
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
December 20
O Clavis David!
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
December 21
O Oriens!
O Radiant
Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
December 22
O Rex Gentium!
O King of all nations and keystone of the
Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the
dust!
December 23
O Emmanuel!
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
