December 22, 2021
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

As we pray today’s antiphon – O Rex Gentium, O King of All Nations, let’s open our minds and hearts to all the world’s people. May we pray especially with and for all refugees, migrants and homeless sisters and brothers. May we become the change we desire for them, just as Christ became flesh for us.

O King of All Nations,
Cornerstone
holding us as One,
Come, save us.

Now, so close to
your Revelation,
we ask ourselves
if it is really darkest
just before the Dawn?

Our shadow seems
to have gotten
so badly in the way
of your Generous Light.

Despite your Breath
that bids us soar
in shared and
sacred tenderness,
we stubbornly return
to selfish clay.

Rekindle us, selfless King,
on this eve of eves.

As You prepare
to hide your Godhead
in our flesh,
in total love,
change us to Love.

May your Mercy
incarnate in our hearts
an Everlasting Christmas.

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

---

Poetry: O Rex Gentium – Malcolm Guite

O King of our desire whom we despise,
King of the nations never on the throne,
Unfound foundation, cast-off cornerstone,
Rejected joiner, making many one,
You have no form or beauty for our eyes,
A King who comes to give away his crown,
A King within our rags of flesh and bone.
We pierce the flesh that pierces our disguise,
For we ourselves are found in you alone.
Come to us now and find in us your throne,
O King within the child within the clay,
O hidden King who shapes us in the play
Of all creation. Shape us for the day
Your coming Kingdom comes into its own.