O Antiphons 17th December - O Sapientia - O Holy Wisdom

 In this Orthodox icon of Sophia, or Holy Wisdom, the Greek letters stand for “Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God.” (Eileen McGuckin, “Sophia, Divine Wisdom Icon,” acrylic on wood, 12.5" × 9.5".) - Source

O Sapientia, quæ ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiæ.

O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner: come to teach us the way of truth. (Isaiah 11:2-3; Isaiah 28:29)

O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (28:29)

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As we begin the final octave before Christmas we encounter the the first "O Antiphon" - "O Sapientia" - "O Wisdom", which draws us into the Old Testament's wisdom literature.

"Wisdom is a divine attribute. The divine Wisdom is personified. Wisdom is the beloved daughter who was before Creation, Wisdom is the breath of God's power, Wisdom is the shining of God's transforming glory."

If you would like to read or do lectio on scripture for the day:

• Wisdom 8:1
• Isaiah 11:2-3; 28:29
• Proverbs 8:1-36
• John 1:1-5 

Some reflections:

• Dating God - O Wisdom: recognising the Spirit of God in the World (2012) and  O Wisdom: Occupying God’s Foolishness (2011)
• Godzdogs - Holy Wisdom
• The Anchoress - O Sapientia
• An English version of the antiphon with reflections HERE
• Wisdom Literature Invites Dialogue About the “Good Life”
• Digital Nun - Prudence or Truth: O Sapientia Reconsidered