Starting today and through December 23, Ascension Press is presenting “What’s in a Name? The O Antiphons with Thomas Smith.”
The “10-minute studies” (they are intended to take no more than 10 minutes of a reader’s time) are free at http://biblestudyforcatholics.com/introduction-reflections-o-antiphons-thomas-smith/
A recording and translation of each of the O Antiphons, chanted by the Dominican student brothers at Blackfriars, Oxford, can be found at this link: http://godzdogz.op.org/search/label/%22O%20Antiphons%22
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Read
Today, we will introduce you to the history, practice and invitation of the O Antiphons. Beginning tomorrow through December 23rd, we will daily explore these seven ancient prayers of the people of God as we journey to Bethlehem.
While some scholars propose that the O Antiphons have been invoked by the Church since the fifth century, we can say with certainty they have been “officially” prayed for at least 1,300 years. The Medieval monasteries would ring their largest bell as the choirs of monks intoned Mary’s Magnificat and these Advent antiphons. They are rich meditations on the One who is to come. All seven can be found in the oracles of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Isaiah, which was called the 5th Gospel by the earliest Christians, gives us many memorable images of the Messiah.
Although there are seven titles in the O Antiphons, only one has remained firmly in popular Christian culture, thanks to an Advent hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel. This Messianic title is the final of the seven O Antiphons. To help us pray and even SING these beautiful prayers, I’ve used a translation that matches that familiar Advent melody. The other titles are O Wisdom, O Lord, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Light, and O King of the Nations.
Reflect
The journey of the Holy Family from Nazareth to Bethlehem was an 80 mile route. Most healthy people could make the trip in four days of vigorous walking, but for a young mother in her final days of pregnancy, most believe the trek would have been about a week. Since the antiphons are the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve, they are the perfect “songs for the road.” I imagine Mary and Joseph reflecting on the ancient titles of the Messiah given by Isaiah as they trace their steps to the City of David. When we pray them, we join the Holy Family on their journey.
Respond
Read what is traditionally called the Book of Emmanuel in Isaiah, chapters 7-11. Mark all of the references or synonyms you find to the seven titles of the O Antiphons. Take notice of which one strikes your heart and why.
For this introductory session, let’s offer a simple prayer:
“Father, thank you for sending us the gift of your Son, Jesus. Help us, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, to enter more fully into the Light of his life as we pray together these ancient antiphons. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, help us to receive him with open arms and in turn, share him with the world. Amen.”
Rest
Each title of Jesus is, like him, a resting place (Matthew 11:29-30). When the seven days begin, we will invite you to sit quietly for a minute or two in the language of that O Antiphon and be attentive to how the Lord may be speaking to you through it.
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Reprinted with permission of Ascension Press.
http://biblestudyforcatholics.com/introduction-reflections-o-antiphons-thomas-smith/
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Thomas Smith is the co-author of Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come and an international presenter for The Great Adventure Bible Timeline. Bringing a wealth of experience and insight on the Word of God to audiences across the U.S., Thomas is a repeat guest on EWTN and Catholic radio as well as a sought after parish mission and conference speaker. Thomas Smith has taught as an adjunct professor at the St. Francis School of Theology in Denver, and is the former Director of the Denver Catholic Biblical School and the Denver Catechetical School. He lives on his family ranch in southeastern Idaho and writes for his website www.gen215.org.
