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
As legend has it, once upon a time, mapmakers would mark the unknown places on their maps "Here there be dragons." The actual history is a little more complicated. Sometimes it was drawings of sea monsters, or warnings of icy wastelands, or fiery deserts inhabited by lions. But this proves the point: There are few … Continue reading Here There Be Dragons?
'Home is where the heart is.' It's as true a cliché as any. One of the consequences of having a rather itinerant childhood is that for me the idea of 'home' is not connected to a place. I never know what to say when asked about my 'hometown', and I never talk about visiting family … Continue reading The Way Home (An Advent reflection on Isaiah 40.1-10)
Matthew Root 