+ Today we continue the very special Masses of Advent which are centered on the theme of the eight "O Antiphons" of the Magnificat of the Blessed Virgin Mary found in Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. Each day a special title of the coming Messiah is presented with its meaning in this "antiphon." (Actually the hymn: O Come O Come Emmanuel is based directly on these titles). The same new daily antiphon is used as the "alleluia verse" of the Masses from December 17 to December 24.
Today's "O-title" is "Leader – O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power." When the "saving power" of the Law of Sinai showed itself to be useless in obtaining what really mattered: forgiveness of sin and the possibility of eternal life: the all-powerful God sent the fulfillment of the Law: LOVE in person to be the new and lasting saving power, action and law: the action of the self-sacrificial offering of Calvary. The one foretold to be the shoot of David, being of the kingly house of Judah and David, would reign forever because he would also be the one foretold to be born of the Virgin Mary whose name would be Emmanuel – for God would be with his people in a very special way from then on!
May we this day choose Emmanuel the Lord to be our true Leader, our power, our law so that we can always do what is fitting, right and proper all the days of our life – with his help – thus feeling the effect of being rescued by him, from what we need to be rescued from.
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever!
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