December 19 “O Radix Jesse”
Today we pray the third of the “O Antiphons”, “O Radix Jesse” (Root of Jesse). This antiphon recalls the prophecy from Isaiah that a shoot will spring from the stump of Jesse. King David was the first flower from the Jesse tree. With the destruction of the monarchy through idolatry and defeat and exile, the great tree was reduced to a mere stump. However, in the divine plan, the stump was not dead, but dormant. From this stump will come the finest branch of the tree of Jesse, the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Mary. On this third day, let us pray that our own hearts, that have become lifeless stumps due to sin and evil, will sprout the new life of Christ through our repentance from sin and a renewed faithfulness to God.
O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence: the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
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