Suffering With Joy

O Oriens

December 21, 2009

O oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol justitiae; veni et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Orient, splendor of eternal light, and Sun of justice, come and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Isaiah 9:2: The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen.

Oriens means dawn, the sun rising in the east.  Sometimes it is called “Dayspring”.  From the earliest days of the Church, Mass was celebrated ad orientem, that is, facing east from whence we know the Savior will come again.

We seek the light that is Christ in our daily lives – our prayer, our work, and our sufferings and joys.  Jesus is waiting for us to ask Him to light the way.

We seek the Sun of justice.  He is coming again to give all men their due.  With His help we say “yes” to love and will merit eternal life.

John 8:12 …I am the light of the world: he that followeth me, walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Tags: Advent, O Antiphons

1 Comment to O Oriens

1. 

   What an appropriate message as we anticipate the birth of the Son on the day of the solstice – the day we anticipate the return of the sun.
   Thank you for your insight!
   Blessings.
Kristie on December 21st, 2009