O Antiphon – O wisdom from on high

Artwork by Sister Rosemary Borntrager, SP, 2002.

One of the most profound pursuits of human life is the call to Wisdom. Our spirits search to find it in ourselves as God’s gift, and to welcome it from others.

The Israelites thought of Wisdom as practical experience for every day living. This notion requires persons who act with prudence, not prudence that prevents action, but as a guide to right action.

How do you value these virtues at the boardroom table, the dinner table, the card table, the bargaining table, the peace table and others? This is virtue in the midst of life that opens us to God’s grace.  For this we pray on behalf of all people.

O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High and reaching from beginning to end, you ordered all things mightily and sweetly. Come, and teach us the way of prudence.

To get your own expanded copy of the Sisters of Providence O Antiphons booklet, visit Linden Leaf Gifts here.

About these O Antiphons

Text (adapted for the blog by Sister Ann Casper) by Sister Ruth Eileen Dwyer (RIP). Artwork by Sister Rosemary Borntrager, 2002.

Among the favorite prayers of the Advent season are the O Antiphons prayed on the closing days of Advent, Dec. 17 to Dec. 23.

Many of the most significant titles of the One who is to come weave together in the O Antiphons to form a biblical account of how Israel awaited the promised Messiah. Their hope-filled longing came to realization in salvation through Jesus the Christ.

The antiphons trace a chronological path through Israel’s history of people and events that led to the coming of the Messiah who brought salvation for the people. The illustrations add visuals for reflection and contemplative insights into the meaning of the antiphons and enhance their beauty.

We invite you to reflect on an O Antiphon each day leading to Christmas. One word dominated this ancient prayer – Come!!!

For what need or desire do you most eagerly pray, “Come, Lord Jesus?”