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Wednesday
of the Third Week of Advent
December 17, 2003
O Wisdom, Holy Word of God!
Scripture:
Genesis
49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17
Reflection:
For the
next seven days, the Church presents the `O Antiphons' as she
calls us to the final preparation days before Christmas. Be
careful not to dismiss these short prayers which deeply express
our expectancy, urgency and longing for a closer union with
our God.
The first part of the prayer addresses God with
praise and thanksgiving. The unfathomable mystery of the Incarnation
will soon be manifested to those who willingly receive it.
The simple word "come" is the humble
cry of all hearts that yearn "to rest in God." Its
mystery also lies in the great longing of Emmanuel to be with
and among his people.
Then to complete this triune-centric prayer
we plead with the Spirit to sanctify our lives with his inscrutable
riches of wisdom, holiness and truth.
The `O Antiphons' have the power to reach back
through the centuries of the faithful waiting for the fulfillment
of the promise. They also stretch into the future as we await
the final coming of God. And finally, each has the power to
mysteriously hold us in the present with our ever-present God!
Suggested
Action:
Today, ask, "How do I sanctify the times that I long for
a closer union with God?"
Sr.
Joan Ciraula, IHM
Scranton, Pennsylvania
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