“O KEY OF DAVID” (DECEMBER 20)- A REFLECTION ON THE GREAT “O” ANTIPHONS FOR THE SECOND PART OF ADVENT

Today’s supplication to Christ at Mass and at Vespers goes thus:

“O Key of David and Sceptre of Israel, what you open no one can close again; what you close no one can open. O come and lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and shadow of death!”

Dear friends, the concept of “key” is a symbol of power with authority (cf. Is 22:22). The Messiah, received from the Father all power and authority in heaven and on earth (cf. Mt 28:18; Ap 1:18); in His hands are “the keys of the kingdom” (cf. Mt 16:19). He has in his hands the “Key of David” (cf. Rev 3: 7). With his “Key of David”, he announces our liberty from captivity (cf. Luke 4:18); thus, liberating us trapped in the gloomy cave of sin and death (cf. Luke 1:79), in order that we might experience the “real world” – the heavenly city. (compare with Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”, Book 7 of the Republic)

Shalom!
© Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Fatima, Vila Sabrina, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?