Praying with the O' Antiphons | A Virtual Pilgrimage on the Incarnation for Advent - Week 4

Reflecting on the O Antiphons of Advent, Erin invites us to slow down, speak the many names of Jesus, and ponder anew the question He asks each of us: “Who do you say that I am?”

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Transcript

I really love Advent. My soul welcomes the invitation to slow down. And in the last week of Advent, the Church prays with the O Antiphons — our poetic names for Jesus — each followed by a petition that begins with the word come and names our needs and desires for the divine Messiah. The antiphons also appear in the lyrics of the song O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

I am drawn to these seven names of Jesus — the yearning communicated in the verses, and especially the joy when the song is played with organ and strings. It is poignant and emotive. It stirs my soul as I long for the return of Jesus and the joy that he brings. I offer here an abbreviated version of the O Antiphons:

O Wisdom of our God Most High,
 come teach us the path of knowledge.
 O Leader of the House of Israel,
 come to rescue us.
 O Root of Jesse,
 come to save us without delay.
 O Key of David,
 come and free the prisoners.
 O Radiant Dawn,
 come and shine on those who dwell in darkness.
 O King of all nations,
 come and save us,
 whom you formed from the dust.
 O Emmanuel,
 come to save us,
 Lord our God.

As I speak these names of Jesus, I recall the other names of Jesus that resonate in my life. Our Lord and God reveals himself in so many ways, meeting me tenderly just where I am — encouraging me to recognize his love and opening up the mystery of his humanity and divinity.

Jesus Emmanuel has walked with me in joy and in sorrow. He has calmed my fears, received my prayers, shown me how to trust, taught me how to be patient, to forgive, to accept, and to love. As we anticipate Jesus’ birth and return, I invite you to ponder the question Jesus asked his disciples: Who do you say that I am?

I have written a few of my own versions of the O Antiphons, considering the actions of the divine person of Jesus who walked among our ancestors. Perhaps you might want to write your own as well:

O Rabbi, come teach us your way.
 O Good Shepherd, come gather us to yourself.
 O Son of Mary, come bring joy to our world.
 O High Priest, come reconcile us to each other.
 O Head of the Church, come heal our spirits.
 O Jesus the Vine, come make us fruitful.
 O Beloved Son of God, come to save us.

During this time of Advent, may the person of Jesus bless you, inspire you, and connect you more deeply to him — Emmanuel, God with us.