Monday, December 22 – “O King of the Nations”

Scripture

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my

Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on

all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and

holy is his name.’” Luke 1:46-56

Reflection

The O Antiphon sings: “O King of the Nations, and their Desire, the Cornerstone

that binds two into one: come and save mankind, whom you formed from the dust.”

In the Magnificat, Mary’s song gives voice to this longing. She magnifies the Lord

who upends the world’s powers and exalts the humble. Her canticle is the hymn of the

Kingdom, not a kingdom of conquest, but of mercy; not one of domination, but of divine

love. The Child she bears is the true King of the Nations, the cornerstone joining heaven

and earth, Jew and Gentile, God and man.

Christ reigns not by force but by self-giving. His crown will be of thorns; His throne,

the Cross. Yet in that humility lies His glory, for in Him all divisions are healed. The One

formed from the dust raises humanity to the dignity of divine life. He is the King who

restores our unity, with God, with one another, and within our own broken hearts.

As members of the EOHSJ, this antiphon speaks powerfully of your mission of unity

and peace. The Holy Land remains a crossroads of nations and faiths, often torn by conflict.

To serve Christ the King in that sacred place is to work for reconciliation, to support those

who build bridges, to pray for healing, and to bear witness to the reign of the Prince of

Peace.

As Advent nears its fulfillment, we lift our eyes to the King who is coming, not with

armies, but with mercy; not to conquer, but to unite. May our hearts be His kingdom, and

our lives His instruments of peace.

Prayer

O King of the Nations and their Desire, Cornerstone that makes us one, come and

save Your people, fashioned from the dust. Reign in our hearts, our Church, and our world.

Make us builders of Your peace and heralds of Your unity. Amen.

Meditation Question

Where do I see division — in myself, my relationships, or the world — that Christ

the King longs to heal? How can I be a peacemaker in His name this Advent?