The Advent O Antiphons
December 18 — O Adonai
You can hear this antiphon sung here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh4NkJXqDZ0
O Adonai and leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning
bush, and gave the Law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
O Adonai (Lord) (Exodus 6:2-3)
And leader of the house of Israel (2 Chronicles 6:5)
Who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush (Exodus 3:2)
And gave the Law on Sinai (Leviticus 27:34)
Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm. (Exodus 6:6)
Moïse devant le Buisson Ardent. Marc Chagall. France, 1966.
The one who is to come will be a wise and compassionate ruler, so very different from the kinds
of rulers to whom we are commonly subject. Moses is remembered as one of the greatest
leaders of the People of God. Although he was not perfect, one of his most significant qualities
was that he noticed. Shepherding his flock in the wilderness, he saw the bush burning. This is
not of itself all that remarkable in a part of the world where oil seeps are common. But Moses
noticed that the bush was not consumed. That quality of attention led him to an encounter
with God. When God speaks Moses realizes that he is on holy ground. Even in the face of
overwhelming power and holiness, God nevertheless allows for genuine dialogue, valuing
Moses’ freedom, gifts, and fears. God does not enslave Moses to free others. God desires our
freedom, and that meant freedom for Moses and for the people of Israel.
When Jesus came in our flesh, he came as an infant. Although he was Lord of all, he came in a
way that called to our love and honoured our freedom. He still invites us to submit to his
Lordship in order that by serving him rather than our false gods, we may find perfect freedom.
Kevin+
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