O Antiphon – O Leader come to set us free

Artwork by Sister Rosemary Borntrager, SP, 2002.

When Yahweh spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses understood that his mission was to lead the Hebrew slaves from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Moses asked God’s name so that he could tell the people who made this promise and the response was “Tell them that I Am sent me to you.”

The Exodus brought the people to the holy mountain where they worshipped God, received the Law as Covenant people and knew the God of Israel who comes to save.

You may recall a “burning bush” experience of your own when you realized that God challenged you to some action and promised to be with you always. Ponder that experience and know that you will not fail as you pray.

O Adonai and ruler of the House of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and on Mount Sinai gave him your law. Come, and with an outstretched arm redeem us.

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?”