\"O\" Antiphons, a Family Prayer
Reciting or singing the “O Antiphons†have been part of our liturgical tradition since the very early Church. We, at Divineoffice.org made our mission to perpetuate this ancient tradition, to inspire families to gather in prayer and people around the word to join a community of prayer.
Let us remember that, in the Middle Ages, it became traditional to ring the great bells of the church each evening when the “O†Antiphones were being sung. Honoring this beautiful catholic tradition, this evening, at Vespers time, gather your loved ones and let us all pray, with one voice, to our Lord Jesus Christ who is to come:
December 18: \"O Adonai\"
“O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.â€
The prophecy was this:
Exodus 3:2: \"An angel of the Lord appeared to him in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed\".
Exodus 6:6: \"Therefore say to the Israelites: I am Yahweh. I will free you from the enforced labor of the Egyptians and will deliver you from their slavery. I will rescue you by my outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment\".
\"Adonai\" means \"my Lord\" and with this second antiphon we progress from creation to the story of God manifesting himself by name to Moses and giving his law to Israel as their way of life. We are also reminded of the Israelites\' deliverance from bondage - a prefiguration of our own redemption from sin. The image of God\'s hand outstretched in power to save his chosen people, takes us back to the later scene of Jesus with his arms outstretched for us on the cross.
Let us keep in mind, by giving us his name and the holy law, God is showing his love for us, and so, let us strive to be a part of his covenant. When we remember those we love and send them greetings, we should also recall God’s great love for us.
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