December 19 - O Radix Jesse

O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum nos, iam noli tardare.

O Root of Jesse, that stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: come, to deliver us, and tarry not.

"Ensign of the people" refers to Isaiah 11:10.  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an ensign is "1.  a flag that is flown (as by a ship) as the symbol of nationality and that may also be flown with a distinctive badge added to its design; 2. a: a badge of office, rank, or power, b: emblem, sign."  The Savior Who comes to Israel is of the lineage of Jesse, the father of David - He will be of the royal house, a King among kings who will recognize His superior glory.  More than this, he will be raised above the people as the emblem of His own kingdom; the Cross, high above the multitude of the Jews, will be the badge of office, the sign of salvation, and the symbol of each soul's participation in the Kindom of Heaven.  It is to Him and to the Chosen Ones, now the Church, that all nations will look for aid and salvation.  Come, O Wisdom, O Adonai, O Root of Jesse, to deliver us!  Hurry!  Do not be late!  Come soon, O Holy Infant-Redeemer!

O come, O Rod of Jesse free,
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.


 17 Dec O Sapientia.jpg (186125 bytes)

Comments