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For the next seven days, the Daily Email will include the "O Antiphons" of Advent. An antiphon is a short passage, recited or sung, as a response in liturgical services. The Roman Catholic Church has been singing the "O" ("Come") Antiphons since at least the eighth century. The seven Antiphons are sung during the days leading up to Christmas and accompany the Magnificat Canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17 through 23. The Antiphons are expressions of ancient biblical imagery as presented in the Old Testament. They draw upon the hopes found in the Old Testament for the coming of the Messiah and the fulfillment of those hopes. That continues today as the Antiphons call upon the newborn King to also address our present-day needs and desires as we prepare for His coming. The repeated use of the imperative "O", or "Come!", embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. Each of the "O Antiphons" contains a connection to Old Testament biblical figures, as well as an element from the New Testament. The 'Catholic Online' reference below provides passages from the Bible tied to the Antiphon from both the Old and New Testaments. When contemplating these two passages, a third dimension emerges which serves as a point of meditation when considering the Incarnate Word, the Son of God made flesh. For today and the next six days leading up to Christmas Eve, we will present the daily "O Antiphon" and a review of each of the Antiphons as presented on the 'Catholic Online' website (www.catholic.org). We hope this provides some extra meaning to the approaching feast of Christ's birth and the arrival of the Messiah. 'O Sapientia' 'O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reached end to end, and disposed of all things sweetly and mightily: come and teach the way of prudence.' Click on the 'Catholic Online' reference below for a review and interpretation of today's antiphon, O Sapientia. REFERENCES: |
