December 21

O Oriens!
Saint Peter Canisius, Priest, Doctor (1521-1597)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 64:7-22
Mass: Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Resp Ps 33; Lk 1:39-45

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY,

PRAY FOR US.

With the words from the prophet Zephaniah, "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals", don't you want to leap for joy with the infant in Elizabeth's womb?

We continue our count down to the birth of Jesus singing another great "O" Antiphon with the Magnificat at Vespers. After today, we have only two "O" Antiphons to go. For now, we sing and pray with the fifth Antiphon: O Rising Dawn, splendor of eternal Light and Sun of Justice: come and illuminate those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death ("O" Antiphon, December 21). "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior"!

LET MARY'S SOUL BE IN EACH OF YOU TO PROCLAIM THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD. LET HER SPIRIT BE IN EACH TO REJOICE IN THE LORD. CHRIST HAS ONLY ONE MOTHER IN THE FLESH, BUT WE ALL BRING FORTH CHRIST IN FAITH.

(From a commentary on Luke by Saint Ambrose, in Office of Readings, December 21)

Today's photo: A little summer sun for the winter solstice!

© Gertrude Feick 2019