O Wisdom

Today begins an intensive nine day preparation for Christmas, highlighted by seven antiphons (refrains) commonly called the "O Antiphons" which appear before the recitation of Mary's Magnificat during Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, or as the Alleluia Verse before the Gospel of the weekday Mass. When sung to Gregorian Chant in Latin, they provide an eloquent and hope-filled meditation for this final stretch of Advent and lead us to a deeper understanding of the significance of Christmas.
"O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!" Wisdom is another name for the Holy Spirit...surely one of the gifts of the spirit is wisdom...the ability to discern right from wrong, and especially to discern the will of the Father. With gentle power and unconditional love, the Spirit guides, teaches us, the best way to live. In our moments of recalling God's presence today, let us focus on the power of the Spirit and open our hearts to the will of the Father, as was Mary when she agreed to the message of the Archangel Gabriel and all that followed from that gift of herself to God.
Bro. Rene