Wednesday, December 17, 2014

"Veni, Veni" Once More

It has become an annual tradition in this infinitesimal corner of the universe. Like the longing the Israelites had as the time for the Savior to arrive drew closer, the yearning for Christmas grows with each passing day on the Advent calendar. And, like Mary, we can count along with her until the days of our confinement will be complete.

I present for the tenth time (and, yes, this is an accurate accounting, unlike the one title I used in a similar post) a series of meditations on the "O" Antiphons, specially designed verses sung/recited before the recitation of the Magnificat at Vespers/Evening Prayer for the next seven days. Each one recalls a title the redeemer of the Chosen People would have. And while people are familiar with the vernacular hymn (whose verses are typically sung in reverse order of how they appear in the Divine Office/Liturgy of the Hours), the antiphons themselves provide a much richer vein of material to mine.

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf and Fr. Mark Kirby, OSB again will provide their insights into the meanings of these phrases while I will add my tidbits of thought as well. Recordings of the antiphons are available as well. Arguably my most popular posts, I hope they still provide you with worthy words of contemplation.

"Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel nascetur pro te, Israel."

Come; see them later.

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