Finding the Gift of Darkness

I love the O Antiphon for today, which calls upon the Savior to come and enlighten "those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death."

In a way, the antiphon acknowledges that we all have times when we "sit in darkness," that times of darkness are part and parcel of life. All of us share our highs and lows on this journey.

Furthermore, sitting in darkness does not have to be a bad thing. It can signify the soul who can wait in faith without having to have answers. It can be the soul patient and content to seek without having to be satisfied right now. It can be the soul who is able to meditate, in silence, letting the darkness teach the soul lessons not got in the light.

Sitting in darkness may come as a recognition of my own state, my woundedness, my needs. It may be a time for reflection (meditation) or rest (we all need rest) when we can be still. The psalmist portrays this as a good thing when he says, Be still and know that I am God (46:10).

I think the antiphon urges us to find the gift of darkness, so that light will be all the more wonderful. For the antiphon says that light comes, not to those in light, but to those sitting in darkness, waiting, still, and ready.

O Dayspring, brightness of eternal Light and Sun of Justice; come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. (Traditional "O" Antiphon)

Find your roots

O Root of Jesse says the O Antiphon for today. A sign for the people, before whom Kings remain silent.

What message can we take from today’s O antiphon? While thinking of yesterday’s gospel, I felt attracted to the thought of going inward, seeking meaning, and using reflection to create depth to one’s life. Now, I can see that such thoughts mirror the concept of roots…for roots seek depth.

There is less than a week before Christmas. When I take a look around, I see lights and decorations everywhere. I like that, for it fills my soul with the spirit of light, the spirit of Christmas, one filled with joy and hope and good feelings.

But I am coming to regard this Christmas season as offering almost the opposite of what should govern our spiritual lives. Jesus came out of mystery, as Romans 16:26 says: the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested through the prophetic writings--made known to all nations...

For me, to find my own mystery I must retrace my steps by traveling inward where all revelation is made manifest. What do I mean? God does speak to me. But I have not trained myself to be aware of the Voice. I look for signs, for lights, for outward things to give me feelings of warmth and joy.

I need to seek inward, in my own soul, for that same joy and warmth. I will find it when I uncover the revelation that awaits my discovery.

Jesus born in a stable is celebrated once a year. I can celebrate the revelation of the Divine Being every day, in my inner sanctum, in my soul, in my roots.

O Root of Jesse, who stood as a sign for the people, before you kings shall remain silent, and to you the Gentiles shall make supplication: come to deliver us, and do not delay. (O Antiphon for Dec. 19th)

Come and with outstretched arm, redeem us!

The Christmas Novena prayed by monks and nuns alike is best known as the O Antiphons. Today's antiphon is:

O Adonai, and Leader of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai; come, and with an outstretched arm, redeem us!


If you know the chant, I would encourage you to sing it yourself today. Or perhaps you could find a monastery where Vespers is still chanted in the ancient rite, and this will be sung.

Here is an explanation for today's antihpon:


Exodus 3:2: "An angel of the Lord appeared to him in fire flaming out of a bush.  As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed".
 
Exodus 6:6: "Therefore say to the Israelites: I am Yahweh.  I will free you from the enforced labor of the Egyptians and will deliver you from their slavery.  I will rescue you by my outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment".
 
"Adonai" is Hebrew for "my Lord", and was substituted by devout Jews for the name "Yahweh", out of reverence.  With this second antiphon we progress from creation to the familiar story of God manifesting himself by name to Moses and giving his law to Israel as their way of life.  We are also reminded of the Israelites' deliverance from bondage under pharaoh - a foreshadowing of our own redemption from sin.  The image of God's arm outstretched in power to save his chosen people also brings to mind the later scene of Jesus with his arms outstretched for us on the cross.(From http://www.rc.net/wcc/antiph18.htm)

Come to those who sit in darkness

I love the O Antiphon for today, which calls upon the Savior to come and enlighten "those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death."

It focuses on those "who sit in darkness". I think that is because darkness is part and parcel of life. All of us share this journey. Sitting in darkness perhaps signifies the soul who can wait in faith without having to have answers, the soul patient and content to seek without knowing it now. Sitting in darkness may be the soul in meditation, one that allows the light to come slowly, as dawn that breaks slowly to begin a new day.

Dawn breaks the darkness of night. Jesus breaks the darkness of soul.

Sitting in darkness may be recognizing our state, and looking forward to the light of dawn.

O Dayspring, brightness of eternal Light and Sun of Justice; come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. (Traditional "O" Antiphon)