Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

In today’s passage from Isaiah, we have these lines: “Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up!” This text from the prophet is well-known to us as one of the beautiful chants of Advent. Rorate Caeli de super et nubes pluant justum. This is also the entrance chant for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Drop down dew, ye heavens from above, let the skies rain down the just one. Let the earth be opened and send forth a savior.

For many of us the chants of the season. Both ancient and modern form a key element of the beauty of the season. Many of the familiar texts of the season have been put to music over the centuries. One of the verses of this chant piece uses the opening lines of Isaiah 40.

“Comfort, give comfort to my people…” Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service* has ended, that her guilt is expiated, // Every valley shall be lifted up, // every mountain and hill made low; // The rugged land shall be a plain, // the rough country, a broad valley. // Here is your God! Here He comes with power.

Spend some time these days and listen to some of the beautiful music of the season. Music clearly enhances our prayer— let the Word of God, the prophecies of Isaiah and the Good News speak to your heart.

Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB