The Arrival of Jesus | (V)ero Cras

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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

  1. Imitation of Christ | The First Book: Admonitions Profitable For The Spiritual Life, Chapter XXIII.1 | Thomas a Kempis
  2. Imitation of Christ | The First Book: Admonitions Profitable For The Spiritual Life, Chapter XXIII.3 | Thomas a Kempis
  3. To university students (Krakow, June 8, 1979) - Speech 1 | Pope St John Paul II
  4. 18 February 1981: Beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz, Manila, Philippines 5 | Pope St John Paul II
  5. Christus vivit 147 | Pope Francis

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