There are no Saint Feast Days
on the General Roman Liturgical Calendar this week. Usually when that happens, I just select another saint, who’s feast is that day. Since the Church sets aside the time of Advent, to reflect upon the coming of Christmas. I thought it fitting to do the same.
The O Antiphons are prayed during Vespers the octave before Christmas, in anticipation of the birth of the Savior. They celebrate the prophetic titles of Jesus. The ancient monks who first assembled the O Antiphons were very creative with the order in which they are prayed. The first letter of each antiphon (in Latin) starting from the last to the first, spells the word ERO CRAS, which translates, “Tomorrow I will come.”
Sunday, December 16
Third Sunday of Advent
Today is Gaudete Sunday, when we shift our reflection from “the Lord is coming” to “the Lord is near.” Rejoice!
December 17
O Sapientia
“O Wisdom, You came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reach from one end of the earth to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence.”
December 18
O Adonai
“O Lord, of the house of Israel, You appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush; on Mount Sinai You gave him Your law: with outstretched arm, come and redeem us.”
December 19
O Radix Jesse
“O Root of Jesse, You stand as an ensign to the people; before You kings shall keep silence, all Nations bow in worship: come and save us, and do not delay.”
December 20
O Clavis David
“O Key of David and Scepter of the house of Israel; come and deliver us from the chains of prison, we who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”
December 21
O Oriens
“O Radiant Dawn, brightness of the light eternal, sun of righteousness; come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death/”
December 22
O Rex Gentium
“O King of Nations, You are the Cornerstone that binds two into one: come and save the creatures whom you have fashioned from clay.”
December 23
O Emmanuel
“O Emmanuel (God is with us), the Desire of all nations and their Salvation: come and save us, O Lord our God.”
ERO-CRAS
Tomorrow I Will Come!
Veronicas Veil 