For the truly mad are those souls devoured with ambition, while the faithful and loyal are called fools. Anthony Esolen
The Arrival of Jesus | (V)ero Cras
The Great O Antiphons prayed during the past week preceding Christmas bring us into the mystery of the Incarnation by immersing us in a relationship with Jesus under various titles that speak to the nature of His person and identity.
The ancient O Antiphons - from whence comes the hymn O come, O come Emmanuel - began on 17th December. These sentences of Scripture are sung before and after the Magnificat at Evensong from 17th-24th December, and form the Alleluia verse at Mass on the same days. Each Antiphon addresses the coming Messiah by a different title, and refers to a prophecy of Isaiah, thus intensifying our Advent preparation and bringing it to its joyful conclusion on Christmas Eve. | Victoria Ordinariate
Let us briefly recall the titles of Christ presented in the O Antiphons.
S Sapientia (17th) Wisdom
A Adonai (18th) Lord and ruler
R Radix Jesse (19th) Root of Jesse
C Clavis David (20th) Key of David
O Oriens (21st) Radiant Dawn
R Rex Gentium (22nd) King of the nations
E Emmanuel (23 December) God with us
The first letter of each title, taken together as a retrograde acrostic, forms the phrase ERO CRAS, "I am coming soon" or "tomorrow, I will come." In Ordinariate circles, another "O" antiphon is preserved from the English patrimony since the medieval period - O Virgo Virginum, O Virgin of Virgins (24th).
O VIRGIN OF VIRGINS, how shall this be? For neither before thee was any like thee, nor shall there be after. Daughters of Jerusalem, why marvel ye at me? The thing which ye behold is a divine mystery.
The phrase ero cras, which may also be translated as "I will be tomorrow," carries significant theological implications, particularly in relation to the themes of mortality, preparation for death, and the hope of eternal life.
When the 'v' of the last antiphon (Virgo...) is added to the acrostic, the phrase VERO CRAS translates to "Truly, tomorrow," adding emphasis to the notice of Jesus' imminent arrival.
Perspectives
Mortality and Readiness. The phrase serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human life. It emphasizes the importance of living each day with the awareness that life is fleeting and that one should always be prepared for death. This aligns with the teachings of Thomas à Kempis in "Imitation of Christ," where he urges individuals to live as if they might die at any moment, reflecting on the necessity of maintaining a good conscience and being vigilant against sin.
Hope in Eternal Life. In a broader theological sense, ero cras can also be interpreted in light of Christian hope. It suggests a continuity of existence beyond death, affirming the belief in resurrection and eternal life. This is echoed in the teachings of Pope John Paul II, who spoke about life as a passage to a new existence, highlighting that death is not an end but a transition to a fuller life with God.
Living in the Present. The phrase also invites the faithful to focus on the present moment while being mindful of the future. Pope Francis encourages individuals to enjoy the present and engage in good deeds, while also recognizing that life is a gift that should be cherished. This balance between present living and future hope is crucial in Catholic spirituality.
Spiritual Vigilance. The phrase can be seen as a call to spiritual vigilance, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and actions, as the timing of one's death is uncertain. This aligns with the teachings of the Church that emphasize the importance of being prepared for the Lord's return, as articulated in the Gospels.
Ero cras encapsulates a profound Catholic understanding of life, death, and the hope of resurrection. It serves as a reminder to live each day with purpose, to be prepared for the eventuality of death, and to maintain a hopeful outlook towards eternal life with God. This phrase, therefore, resonates deeply within our Catholic tradition, encouraging a life of faith, vigilance, and hope.
References
- Imitation of Christ | The First Book: Admonitions Profitable For The Spiritual Life, Chapter XXIII.1 | Thomas a Kempis
- Imitation of Christ | The First Book: Admonitions Profitable For The Spiritual Life, Chapter XXIII.3 | Thomas a Kempis
- To university students (Krakow, June 8, 1979) - Speech 1 | Pope St John Paul II
- 18 February 1981: Beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz, Manila, Philippines 5 | Pope St John Paul II
- Christus vivit 147 | Pope Francis
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The right to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, religious freedom, and even the right to life are being restricted in the name of other so-called new rights, with the result that the very framework of human rights is losing its vitality and creating space for force and oppression. This occurs when each right becomes self-referential, and especially when it becomes disconnected from reality, nature, and truth.
ST AUGUSTINE
The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.
SAINT PHILIP NERI
The greatness of our love of God must be tested by the desire we have of suffering for His love.
ANTONIN SCALIA
Knowledge is one thing, virtue is another; good sense is not conscience, refinement is not humility. Liberal Education makes the gentleman. It is well to be a gentleman, it is well to have a cultivated intellect, a delicate taste, a candid, equitable, dispassionate mind, a noble and courteous bearing in the conduct of life. These are the natural qualities of a large knowledge, they are the objects of a university. But they are no guarantee for sanctity of even for conscientiousness; they may attach to the man of the world, to the profligate, to the heartless.
ANONYMOUS
One can be certain that when one is judged by mediocrity, that is, by someone or persons holding to standards beneath the dignity of man, that one will be accused of harassment for merely suggesting that people live up to their potential.
MARCUS AURELIUS
There is but one thing of real value - to cultivate truth and justice, and to live without anger in the midst of lying and unjust men.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.
MARK TWAIN
If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
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