From December 17th onward, we shift into a higher gear in our Advent preparation for Christmas: it is the time of the "O Antiphons" which are used for the Magnificat at Evening Prayer in the Divine Office – as well as the "Alleluia Verse" of Daily Mass. Each "O" statement makes known a special title of the coming Messiah: Son of God and Son of Mary.
Today's "O" statement is O King of all nations, keystone of the Church come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
Today we reflect upon the central figure of the Church which was sent from God to be our mainstay in life. If human life were not so treacherous we would not need a Church – but human life is very treacherous and the way through it is long, dark and arduous. But – God the Father, God our Friend provided a light and a guide to help us every step of the way: Jesus, Messiah, Brother, Friend and Helper! It is he who established Church as life-line, light-source and distributer of charity known as friendship and service!
This Messiah did his part in establishing the Church – empowering it with the gift of the Holy Spirit – and now it is up to us – members of that Church – to be the Church both for ourselves and for all others in the world.
The Church of Jesus can truly make all the difference in the world – if we are loyal, strong, true, dedicated, devoted, faithful and fruitful members. It begins with baptism and is renewed at each and every Mass. Let us take the fruits of this celebration into the waiting world today! It is darker than ever "out there" – it is Light-er than ever "in here" – in the Church – our home!
Lift up you heads and see; your redemption is near at hand!
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