O Radiant Dawn

Reading Roberta’s reflection on Catherine’s Café (December 19) and seeing her reference to the O Antiphons, I began to reflect more deeply upon the O Antiphons of Advent.  The antiphon for today, December 21, couldn’t be more perfect as we begin to see days of lengthening light. 

O Radiant Dawn,

Splendor of eternal light, sun of justice;

Come and shine on those who dwell in darkness

And in the shadow of death.

Not only are we seeing the physical darkness, we also observe those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.  We are experiencing so much suffering on this planet of ours.  On the evening news, we hear so many horrific stories of people’s inhumanity to their brothers and sisters.  We keep asking ourselves, “How can people do that to other people!”  How can someone drive a semi into a group of shoppers in an outdoor Christmas market in Germany?  How can …? 

We desperately need some good news. We need the radiant dawn, the splendor of eternal light, sun of justice.  Fortunately, amid all the distressing news, we are beginning to hear some heartwarming, enlightening stories of people’s kindness to one another.  We are catching glimpses of the dawn. We continue to wait, to pray, to hope, to long for good news. Amidst the brilliant Christmas lights and the lengthening days, we look for the light of God in each other.

Are you also awaiting, hoping for, and longing for the Radiant Dawn?

Anne Sur, OP

East Dubuque, IL