19 December 2012

Blossoms of good works, Sr. Mary Berchmans

O Flower of Jesse's stem,
you have been raised up
as a sign for all people;
kings stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down in worship before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

One translation of this O Antiphon speaks of the "root of Jesse" while this one refers to the "Flower of Jesse's stem."

Perhaps we can see here a rootedness in values which will burst forth into blossoms of good works as our Messiah comes. He comes as a sign of what is to happen when leaders of nations can grow silent before the immensity of God's goodness and all peoples will embrace his norms of peace and justice. Come, dear Lord, to help us achieve this vision of holiness of life, individually and as nations.

Sr. Mary Berchmans Hannan, V.H.M.

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