Saturday, December 20 – “O Key of David”

Scripture

“The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give

to him the throne of his ancestor David.’” Luke 1:26-38

Reflection

Today’s O Antiphon declares: “O Key of David and Scepter of the house of Israel;

you open and no one can close; you close and no one can open: come and lead the

prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”

In ancient Israel, the “key” symbolized royal authority and stewardship. To hold the

key of David was to possess the power to open or close the royal treasury, to grant access

to the king’s house. In this title, we recognize Christ as the one who opens for us the gates

of salvation, the true Son of David whose kingdom is mercy.

In the Annunciation to Mary, the divine Key turns in history’s lock. Heaven opens;

God enters time. The humble virgin of Nazareth becomes the living doorway through

which redemption enters the world. Her fiat, her “yes,” is the moment when God’s plan

swings wide, and humanity once imprisoned by sin steps toward freedom.

The “Key of David” still works in our lives. Christ unlocks the doors we cannot

open ourselves, doors of fear, shame, resentment, and despair. He frees us from the prisons

of our hearts, not by force, but by love. Each Advent we are invited anew to let Him open

what is closed within us and to let His mercy flood the hidden chambers of our souls.

AS members of the EOHSJ, this mystery holds particular resonance. The very places

where Mary said her yes and where Christ unlocked death’s tomb are entrusted to your care

and prayer. You help to keep open the living doors of faith in the Holy Land, ensuring that

the light which once shone in Bethlehem and Jerusalem continues to reach the world.

Prayer

O Key of David and Scepter of the house of Israel, You open what none can close

and close what none can open. Come and free us from the prisons of fear and sin. Unlock

our hearts, that we may welcome You with faith and joy. Amen.

Meditation Question

What locked place in my heart is Christ asking permission to open? How can I

imitate Mary’s trust and give my yes to His saving will?