Oratory. Ever heard of that word? Until a few years ago, I wasn’t familiar with it, and believe it or not, I actually remember my first encounter with it. It was July 2010, our first trip to Conception Abbey in Missouri for Joel’s weeklong summer diaconate formation classes. While attending the initial all-you-need-to-know-for-the-week type of meeting, […]
The 7th Great Antiphon: O Emmanuel — God With Us
December 23: The O Antiphons reflections end today with O Emmanuel or God with us. O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.
The 6th Great Antiphon: O Rex Gentium — King of All the Nations
December 22: The O Antiphons reflections continue with O Rex Gentium or O King of All Nations. 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 5th Great Antiphon: O Oriens — O Dayspring
December 21 Antiphon: O Oriens (Dayspring) – On the shortest day of the year, the liturgy calls Christ the Dayspring, the Radiant Dawn. Christ is the radiant dawn who brings eternal life. What dark areas in your life need illuminated by Christ’s eternal light?
The 4th Great Antiphon: O Clavis — O Key of David
December 20: The O Antiphons continue with O Clavis or O Key of 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.
The 3rd Great Antiphon: O Radix Jesse — O Root of Jesse
O Flower of Jesse’s stem, O Root of Jesse. We see those words in Scripture; we sing them in hymns. But what do they mean? The O Antiphon reflections continue with December 19: O Radix Jesse.
The 2nd Great Antiphon: O Adonai, Lord and Ruler
December 18: The O Antiphons continue with O Adonai or 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.
The 1st Great Antiphon: O Sapietia — O Wisdom
December 17: The O Antiphons reflections begin with O Sapietia or O Wisdom. 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.
The Great Antiphons & the Rich History of O Come, O Come Emmanuel
You are most likely familiar with the Advent hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” But are you as familiar with its rich history — a great treasure of the Advent season?