The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
via USCCB
“If you will allow me to use other language, I will say that he must indeed have a blind soul who cannot see that some great purpose and design is being worked out here below of which we have the honor to be the faithful servants. It is not given to us to peer into the mysteries of the future. Still, I avow my hope and faith, sure and inviolate, that in the days to come the British and American peoples will, for their own safety and for the good of all, walk together in majesty, in justice and in peace.”
Those words of Winston Churchill, addressed to a joint session of Congress,Dec. 26, 1941, shortly after The United States entered the War, are still a powerful acknowledgement of the Providence of God, and a battle cry to unite against Evil in all its intrusions.
Churchill spoke clarity and truth with resolve, clarion in its urgency:
You do not, I am certain, underrate the severity of the ordeal to which you and we have still to be subjected. The forces ranged against us are enormous. They are bitter, they are ruthless. The wicked men and their factions, who have launched their peoples on the path of war and conquest, know that they will be called to terrible account if they cannot beat down by force of arms the peoples they have assailed. They will stop at nothing.
When our leaders fail to inspire, our hearts must lean heavy on the lessons and inspirations of the past. We are the same American people, again, being tested, yet still knowing how remarkable we are on the scene of history. As cultures go, we are yet in our youth, still seeking immortal values to carry this ship of State.
Churchill asks Congress on December 26, 1941:
What kind of a people do they think we are? Is it possible that they do not realize that we shall never cease to persevere against them until they have been taught a lesson which they and the world will never forget?
Churchill’s words proved oh, too, true! We are still learning that we never cease procuring and securing our freedoms.
What are you saying, dear Lord?
You Who speak with Your poor creature.
Give voice to Your desire.
Place Your lips to my ear.
How do You speak?
Will I hear a voice?
See a vision?
Feel Your stirrings in my soul?
Will there be thunder as on Sinai
Or the breeze of Carmel?
Can I see in my blindness?
Hear, despite ears that have inclined to foreign gods?
Barnacles of perversion weigh on me.
Encrustations of sin hamper my ascent.
Give me feathers,
And wings of desire,
That I might rise, weightless and free,
Drawn by Your Love for me,
As music on the Wind of Your Spirit.
©2011 Joann Nelander
Dear Lord, I am grieved when I consider Your sad condition when You wore the Crown of Thorns upon Your holy head.
I desire to withdraw the thorns by offering to the Eternal Father the merits of Your Wounds for the salvation of sinners. I wish to unite my actions to the merits of Your Most Holy Crown, so that they may gain many merits, as You have promised.
Amen.
WORDS OF OUR LORD TO SR MARY MARTHA CHAMBON
During an apparition of Our Lord to Sr Mary Martha Chambon, He appeared in a pitiful state, wearing the Crown of Thorns. Appealing for compassion, He said: “Behold Him whom you seek, and the condition in which He is! Look…withdraw the thorns from My head by offering to My Father the merits of My Wounds for sinners… Go, seek for souls!” While Sr Mary Martha was contemplating the holy Crown, she saw rays of glory darting from each thorn.
WORDS OF OUR LORD TO SR MARY MARTHA CHAMBON
During an apparition of Our Lord to Sr Mary Martha Chambon, He appeared in a pitiful state, wearing the Crown of Thorns. Appealing for compassion, He said: “Behold Him whom you seek, and the condition in which He is! Look…withdraw the thorns from My head by offering to My Father the merits of My Wounds for sinners… Go, seek for souls!” While Sr Mary Martha was contemplating the holy Crown, she saw rays of glory darting from each thorn.
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The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the
shadow of death.
vis USCCB
O, my Jesus, In gentle and humble repose upon the altar, Wrap Your arms about me. My body yearns for Your embrace. Only Your Humanity can unlock The treasure trove of grace, You hold in store for me, A repentant sinner, Grace, You purchased for me By Your coming to Man as Man, In Your weakness and poverty and might. You called Yourself,"Son of Man", And by Your obedience, Suffering and Death upon the Cross, Showed us True Love. All Holy, All Human, All Love, All God, Son and Servant of God, Benefit and Benefactor of Man, Apply the fruit of Your Saving Death To my humanity, To the glory of God, And the continuous deification Of my poor, desirous body and soul. Conceive in me thoughts, words and deeds, Which bring to fulfillment our Father's plan For my life and eternity, So, that purged of all Sin and concupiscence, I might shine with radiant joy, Hidden and secure in Your Heart, As does Your Virgin Mother, Mary. "Be it done to me according to Your Word." Amen. Copyright 2011 Joann Nelander All rights reserved
The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
via USCCB
Immaculata-Patroness
Joann Nelander Studio 