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Adonai, Colossians, covenant, creation, love, Moses, O Antiphons, Old Testament, prudence, serve, set us free, St. Paul, teach, The Sophia Center for Spirituality
Today is the second of seven in the series of “O Antiphons” used in Christian liturgical practice. (See yesterday’s blog). One author explains the use of these verses for Christians this way: The antiphons are, in fact, a collage of Old Testament types of Christ. Their predominant theme is messianic, stressing hope of the Savior’s coming. Jesus is invoked by various titles, mainly taken from the prophet, Isaiah. The sequence progresses historically, from the beginning, before creation, to the very gates of Bethlehem. Thus, yesterday we began with the call to Wisdom, seen in the Scriptures as God’s consort in the creation of the world. Today we hear the plea to the Lord and Ruler of the house of Israel. The title Adonai is Hebrew for Lord, or the Lord of Lords, the Master, the Owner, in this case, the One who gave the Law to Moses.
O Adonai, Ruler of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, and on Mount Sinai gave him Your law. Come and teach us the way of prudence.
O Adonai, you are the covenant maker and promise giver. You appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the commandments. Come, set us free to serve you.
As Christians, this title of Adonai ascribed to Christ can be understood as in the Letter to the Colossians where St. Paul writes that He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities: all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all else that is, and in him all things hold together…God was pleased to have all fullness dwell in him…(COL 1:15-20)
This is the one to whom we cry out: Come! Teach us to live your covenant of love!
The Sophia Center for Spirituality 