The 2nd Great Antiphon: O Adonai, Lord and Ruler

The law that sets us free

Today our O Antiphons reflections continue with O Adonai or O Lord and Ruler. Read more about the rich history of all seven O Antiphons, a great treasure of the Advent season.

December 18: O Adonai (O Lord and Ruler)

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.

Symbol: The tablets of stone are a picture of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. They may be used to represent the whole of God’s law, the Pentateuch — the first five books of the Bible or the Torah –or the entire Old Testament (Picture Source: Catholic Culture).

The title ‘Adonai’, was originally used by the Israelites instead of pronouncing the name of God as revealed to Moses at the burning bush. Not only did God tell Moses His name, but He also gave him the Law, which paradoxically sets us free. Although our culture tells us that freedom is for doing whatever we like, our faith tells us that we have been given a free will so that we might be free to choose the good.” (Reflection written by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist)

Recommended Scripture Reading:

• Old Testament: Isaiah 11:3b-5
• Epistle: Galatians 6:1-5
• Gospel: Matthew 7:24-29

In the twentieth century, the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt set a German translation of these antiphons for choral use under the title Magnificat Antiphonen. Here is his Antiphonen: No. 2: O Adonai. May it provide an opportunity for you to prayerfully reflect on how we can use our free will for the greater glory of God rather than fulfilling selfish desires.

Related articles: The Great Antiphons & the Rich History of O Come, O Come Emmanuel