Antiphons...

O WISDOM, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: COME, and teach us the way of prudence. Amen. "O Sapientia..."



For those of you who have forgotten or for those of you who never knew, the O Antiphons are the prefaces to the Magnificat-- the prayer recited at the end of the monastic day-- that are sung for the seven days before Christmas Eve. Yesterday's 'O Antiphon' is at the top of the page. Even if you never say the Magnificat, the antiphons are great verses to reflect upon as we draw closer to the mystery of the manger.

December 18

O LORD AND RULER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: COME, and redeem us with outstretched arms. Amen. "O Adonai..."



The antiphons are powerful in Latin, but I haven't found a Latin translation of them. With a good English translation they are still profound. But to me the most wonderful part of this verse is the stretched out arms of the Lord. Stretched out not only from the cross, but stretched out here in the innocence of a child, an infant in the cradle. Let all who are drawn to this image come. Amen.