O Radix Jesse

O Root of Jesse, you stand as a sign for the peoples; before you kings shall keep silence and to you all nations shall have recourse. Come, save us, and do not delay.

From Jesse was born David, a man after God's own heart. David united the nation of Israel and formed Israel into a Kingdom, a dynasty. But following his death, David's kingdom was divided and ultimately this great dynasty which held so much promise was reduced to ruins, ultimately being decimated by the Assyrians or exiled to Babylon. However, the Lord was in control, and a small group remained faithful to the law. A root remained.

When the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that God would become incarnate through her, he also revealed that the kingdom of David would be restored. It would flower forth from this remaining root. Gabriel tells Our Lady, "The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever and his reign will be without end." (Luke 1:32-33) The restoration of the Davidic dynasty will not be a political entity, rather it will be divinely instituted as a kingdom which will transcend political realities and will encompass all people from the most simple peasant to the greatest king. It will be universal. It will be Catholic. It will extend salvation to all people for all time, and it will never end. All will stand in silent awe at the majesty of Christ, the root of Jesse. All will turn to him for refuge and security.

Emmanuel, the joy of all nations, come to us and save us!