A subtle or hidden feature, particularly in a movie or game, is often referred to as an “Easter egg,” because it’s something that you have to hunt for. The Bible is full of things like this – subtle references are easy to overlook, even upon repeated readings. So, for example, take this line from Mark 15:21:… Continue reading A Biblical “Easter Egg” in the Passion of Jesus Christ
Tag: liturgical year
What’s the Point of Mortification and “Offering It Up?”
Domenichino, The Way to Calvary (1610) One of those phrases that Catholics use that non-Catholics are often baffled by is “offer it up.” Usually the context involves some sort of hardship, either voluntary or involuntary. Elizabeth Scalia gives the example “when you are in pain, when you are disappointed, when your feelings have been hurt,… Continue reading What’s the Point of Mortification and “Offering It Up?”
Day 7: O Emmanuel
Tonight’s O Antiphon is the last one, and it’s the most famous and probably the most beautiful. It’s “O Emmanuel.” The name Emmanuel.means “God with us,” and it’s taken from Isaiah 7:13-14, in which Isaiah says, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of… Continue reading Day 7: O Emmanuel
Day 6: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Rex Gentium,” meaning “King of the Nations,” or “King of the Gentiles.” The idea is that the Messiah would be King, not only of the Jews, but the Gentiles as well: that is, of all nations. For example, Isaiah prophesied of the Christ (in Isa. 2:4), “He shall judge between the nations,… Continue reading Day 6: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
Day 5: O Oriens (O Rising Sun)
Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Oriens.” The Latin word “Oriens” literally means “Dawn,” “Rising Sun,” or “East.” The “O Oriens” prophesy comes from Isaiah 9:1-7, Holman Hunt,Christ the Light of the World (1854) But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zeb’ulun and the land of Naph’tali,… Continue reading Day 5: O Oriens (O Rising Sun)
Day 4: O Clavis David (O Key of David)
Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Clavis David,” which means “O Key of David.” It’s a reference to Isaiah 22:19-23, and the rise and fall of a man named Eliakim. In this passage, God removes Shebna from his position of power as Master of the Palace, replacing him with Eliakim: Peter Paul Reubens, St. Peter (1612) I… Continue reading Day 4: O Clavis David (O Key of David)
Day 3: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Radix Jesse,” which means “O Root (or Shoot, or Flower) of Jesse.” In other words, the Messiah will come from Jesse’s lineage. We hear this title for the Messiah in Isaiah 11:10: “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his… Continue reading Day 3: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
Day 2: O Adonai (O Lord)
Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Adonai,” which means “O Lord,” and is one of the Divine titles used in the Old Testament. Because the name YHWH was considered too sacred to even speak, pious Jews would often replace the Name with Adonai, meaning Lord, instead. In Isaiah 33:22, the prophet Isaiah says: For the Lord is our judge,the Lord… Continue reading Day 2: O Adonai (O Lord)
Day 1: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Sapientia,” which means “O Wisdom.” All of the first three O Antiphons are tied to the Messianic prophesy in Isaiah 11:1-5. I’ve bolded the relevant part for today’s Antiphon: Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the… Continue reading Day 1: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
Last Things First: The Two “Mini-Seasons” of Advent
Some of the Advent readings at Mass seem strangely inappropriate for the season. For example, yesterday’s Gospel began with Jesus saying, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” That doesn’t seem very… “Christmasy.” Nor is this an isolated instance. In fact, a… Continue reading Last Things First: The Two “Mini-Seasons” of Advent