Monday of the Fourth week of Advent
O Radix Jesse
REFLECT
Today the Church sings, “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, / you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples. … / Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.” At first glance it seems a weird thing to claim salvation by a flower. For example, the Little Prince, in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s eponymous children’s tale, at one point is deeply concerned with the defense of his vulnerable flower. Flowers are hardly intimidating protectors. People don’t choose them for football-team mascots. And yet, in “Jesse’s stem” we see a hint of our salvation: the wood of the cross.
PRAY
Lord Jesus, by your cross you give us victory over the grave. As we prepare our hearts for your coming, may we trust more completely in you, recalling the work you have already done. Amen.
LIVE
Do you have a cross prominently displayed in your home? If not, buy and install one today.