Monday, December 17, 2012

"O" Yes, Again

Daylight grows shorter here in the Northern Hemisphere.  The winter solstice soon will be upon us and the days after that will start to see increased sunlight.  While we know this comes with the passing of time, we still long for the darkness to abate.

What a perfect metaphor for the ebb and flow of our spiritual life.  The Church uses the rhythm of the seasons to her liturgical advantage.  She gives us the words to express the longing of our hearts and souls at the times we need them.

So it is right now as for those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours/Daily Office on a regular basis. Especially at this time of Advent, as our preparations for the coming of the Christ Child intensify, the yearning for our Savior to come quickens.  It finds its greatest expression at Vespers in the antiphons preceding the Magnificat the next seven days.  It is almost a plea to God through the Virgin to finally be delivered

Yes, making its appearance for the seventh straight year are my modest and humble reflections on the "O" Antiphons.  Those of you who are familiar with these posts know in past years I have included thoughts from Fr. John Zuhlsdorf (What Does The Prayer Really Say) and Fr. Mark Daniel Kirby, OSB (Vultus Christi) as well.  I hope to add something else to the mix; we'll see if happens.

Arguably my most popular and well-received musings, I hope you continue to enjoy these meditations from those people who know them better and one person who thinks he can match that content.

Maranatha.  Come, Lord Jesus.

Tonight, our cries will begin to be heard.

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