St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

 This week begins several special days in our Advent season.  From December 17-23 the Catholic Church celebrates the last days of Advent by including the “O Antiphons.”  For over 14 centuries these Antiphons have been sung/recited during Evening Prayer that is prayed by all ordained, religious, and some lay people.  Each evening one of the Antiphons is used during the “Magnificat” canticle/prayer.  They are drawn from the Old Testament to announce the coming of Christ as fulfilling the hopes promised throughout the Old Testament.  The Coming of the Divine Messiah is heard/seen through these special prayers.

Let us see these special Antiphons for ourselves —

December 17:  O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18:  O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with Your mighty power!

December 19:  O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all His people: come to save us without delay!

December 20:  O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21:  O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the                               shadow of death.

December 22:  O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23:  O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

May we reflect on the above Antiphons to deepen our awareness of the Scriptural connections to the Savior promised throughout the Old Testament.  Let us pray these special prayers beginning this Tuesday during our evening prayers.  What a beautiful way to prepare our hearts and souls for the COMING OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST!

Your Advent Antiphon Pastor, Father Joe