21 December 2022
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
O Dawn of the East, Brightness of the Light Eternal, and Sun of Justice, come and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
The invocation from today’s O Antiphon describes the coming of Christ as the brightness of dawn after a long dark night. The themes of light and darkness have provided rich imagery for the church. The gospels speak of putting a light on a lampstand and manifestations of Jesus’ divinity are usually accompanied by light. Light clarifies and helps us understand the world around us. The light of Christ does not so much change reality but make it more understandable and helps us discern its correct use. Today’s invocation recalls the First Principle and Foundation of Ignatius and its insistence that creation be used for the Glory of God and by extension love of neighbor. By means of this enlightenment of Christ, we move more easily out of the shadow of death and darkness.