December 17, 2024
The Great ``O'' Antiphons -- Part 1
Proverbs 8:33
12/17/2024
33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect
it. (ESV)
O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the
Most High, pervading and permeating all
creation, mightily ordering | all things:*
Come and teach us the way of | prudence.
We sing The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) as the canticle for
the daily office service of Vespers. During the last week of
Advent, when it is sung, it is preceded and followed by an
antiphon, a single verse that connects the canticle to the holy
day being observed. During this week the antiphons begin with
the word ``O'' followed by a form of address to Christ. Each
antiphon is a prayer to the Son of God imploring Him to come as
our judge and redeemer on the last day.
The Antiphon for December 17 is drawn from the book of
Proverbs.
In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is more than an attribute of
God. It is the title used to identify the Son as distinct from
the Father. Wisdom is identified as one who existed before the
world was created, and the One through whom all things were
ordered.
The Antiphon reflects the language of Proverbs, where Wisdom
says: ``Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.''[1]
May our Lord grant us the wisdom to recognize the coming of
Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
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1. Proverbs 8:33