Today's 'O Antiphon' addresses Christ as the Morning Star (alternately, the Rising Sun), reminding us that Jesus is the Light of the World, shining into the darkness, and that he is the one for whom we're patiently waiting, just as those in vigil await the sunrise in the East. O Morning Star, splendour of light … Continue reading O Oriens: Where am I pointed?
When we look at the writings of the prophets, we can run into danger if we over-spiritualize their words — and thereby let ourselves off the hook from their radical call for justice — or if we over-literalize them — and thereby limit the scope of their words to politics. (For as Jesus said, after … Continue reading O Clavis David: The God Who Frees
Today's 'O Antiphon' takes as its guiding image Isaiah's prophecy of the "branch of the root of Jesse (see Isa 11). The prayer reads: O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and … Continue reading O Radix Iesse: Never Too Late
In this last week of Advent, I'm writing short daily reflections on the 'O Antiphons', which mark the Western liturgical tradition's countdown to Christmas. Today's reads: O Adonai and Leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and … Continue reading O Adonai: With Outstretched Arm
As I'm writing this, there is a skiff of snow on the ground, my Christmas tree is lit behind me, and my presents are on their way to far-away family. There's no doubt that Christmas is just around the corner. But it's not here yet. This means that we're in the final days of preparation. … Continue reading O Sapientia: Stop, Look, and Listen
Matthew Root 