I wrote yesterday that the O Antiphons have their origin in early Christianity. The antiphon texts are believed to have originated in Italy in or before the 6th century. There were many later traditions throughout the Middle Ages surrounding their performance, and Amalarius (c. 775–c. 850) a Frankish prelate and courtier, temporary bishop of Trier (812–13) and Lyon (835–38) and an accomplished liturgist.wrote a detailed commentary on them in the 9th century.

O Adonai

Today’s Antiphon is O Adonai (O Lord). This is a title for God used a great deal by the Jews. I like using it, it is so close to our English word "Adore" that I tend to think of it as O Adored Lord, which fits. Lord here indicates the Ruler and Judge who Reigns over us. In English the Antiphon is:

O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

For the Lord is our Judge, our Lawgiver and our King; he will care for us and save us.– Isaiah 33:22

but will defend the poor and the exploited. He will rule against the wicked who oppress them. For he will be clothed with fairness and with truth. - Isaiah 11:4-5

Our Old Testament reading is a prophecy from Jeremiah about the 'Righteous Branch of David' and it is partly fulfilled right now. While Jesus has not yet returned to sit upon the thone of his Ancestor David and Israel is a democracy rather than a Monarchy at present, and they do not yet have peace; one part of this prohecy has come already. We can today say: “As the Lord lives who brought the Jews back to their own land of Israel from the countries to which he had exiled them.” Christ worked through his people and many Christians in various ministries directly worked to bring home the Jews to Israel.

I also want to encourage you today to pray for North East Syria which has a large number of Christians. A stable local government has existed there since 2019, operating separately from the Assad Regime. It took care to represent all minorities and religions in North East Syria, working to promote, understanding and tolerance in a western style democracy. Its existance is a miracle but it is now being attacked by the SNA and Turkey. The HTS Rebal Army (Islamic Group) that has taken over from Assad actually stopped a massacre there by the SNA. North Eastern Syria is asking for friendship and help from the entire Christian World, the USA and Israel. They are asking for help to defend themselves from Turkey and the SNA. Please pray for them. There are more details on our prayer list page I am sharing it here also because the situation is currently urgent.