O Root of Jesse that stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: come to deliver us and tarry not.
So many things we can draw from today's Antiphon! "Root of Jesse" points back to the prophecy of a"shoot sprung from the stump of Jesse" who would save his people. Christ comes to save His people from their enemies, but rather than crushing the Gentiles who have stood opposed to the Israelites, He allows them, too, to take part in His salvation and victory over death. All who make supplication to Him may be saved. We beg him, as His people have done throughout history, "Hurry, come quickly! Do not delay; we need you."
O Come thou rod of Jessie's stem;
From ev'ry foe deliver them
That trust thy mighty power to save,
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Rejoice, rejoice; Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.
Hurry, come quickly! Do no delay, we need you... yes, in this world of lost and confused word Emmanuel (God with us) is the answer to all of our needs. I found this blog a source of much contemplation. Thank you for writing it.
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