SIXTH GREATER ANTIPHON
O King of nations, and their Desired One, and the Corner- Stone that makes both one; come and save man whom thou formed out of slime.
Dom Prosper Guéranger:
O King of Nations! You are approaching still nearer to Bethlehem where you are to be born. The journey is almost over and your august Mother, consoled and strengthened by the dear weight she bears, holds an unceasing converse with you on the way. She adores your divine Majesty. She gives thanks to your mercy. She rejoices that she has been chosen for the sublime ministry of being Mother to God. She longs for that happy moment when her eyes will look upon you, and yet she fears it. For, how will she be able to render you those services which are due to your infinite greatness, she that thinks herself the last of creatures! How will she dare to raise you up in her arms and press you to her heart, and feed you at her breasts? When she reflects that the hour is now near at hand in which, being born of her, you will require all her care and tenderness, her heart sinks within her, for what human heart could bear the intense vehemence of these two affections: the love of such a Mother for her babe, and the love of such a Creature for her God? But you support her, O you the Desired of Nations! for you, too, longest for that happy birth which is to give the Earth its Saviour, and to men that Corner-Stone which will unite them all into one family. Dearest King! Be you blessed for all these wonders of your power and goodness! Come speedily, we beseech you, come and save us, for we are dear to you as creatures that have been formed by your divine hands. Yes, Come, for your creation has grown degenerate. It is lost. Death has taken possession of it: take it again into your almighty hands and give it a new creation. Save it; for you have not ceased to take pleasure in and love your own work.
THE GREAT ANTIPHON IN HONOUR OF CHRIST
O King of Peace that was born before all ages, come by the golden gate; visit them whom you have redeemed, and lead them back to the place whence they fell by sin.
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