The second :O Antiphon" cries out:
O Lord of the House of Israel
giver of the Law of Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
The Jewish people were stirred up with the enthusiasm when they heard words from the prophet Jeremiah. Their new Messiah will be the Lord of Justice. He will erase all unrighteousness of former days. The new Lord of Justice will bring salvation.
The gospel event for today's readings reminds us that both Joseph and Mary were willing, although somewhat frightened, to accept a mission from the Lord of Justice. In our communities, perhaps in our families, our parishes, our offices, there are people who suffer injustices. At times our challenge, the mission entrusted to us y our Lord of Justice, Jesus Christ may be to speak out, doing what we can to guarantee justice among us. This, too, is why Jesus comes to us.
Today, as we reflect on Jesus as "Lord," let us continue to pray that the "righteousness" that Jeremiah mentions will be a genuine characteristic. Let us, from this church on Capitol Hill, pray in particular for all the women and men who are entrusted with Leadership of our nation. In particular, let us remember to incorporate in our petitions to the Lord of Justice the newly elected and appointed members of the Obama administration and those government officials who support them.
