Thursday 14 January 2016

Advent Vespers - Ecce veniet and Psalm 110

The second antiphon for the Fourth Sunday in Advent follows: Ecce veniet desideratus cunctis gentibus: et replebitur gloria domus Domini, alleluia. 

Lo! the Desired of all nations will come: and the house of the Lord shall be filled with glory, alleluia.

The antiphon is based on Haggai 2:8, with the speaker changed from God to the monks:
"And I will move all nations: AND THE DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS SHALL COME: and I will fill this house with glory: saith the Lord of hosts".

There is an interesting discussion of the translation on the blog of an American Benedictine who notes that the key word here is desideratus and that the Vulgate follows more closely the Hebrew than the Septuagint Greek in rendering the Hebrew chemddah,  (delight, desire). 

“Normally, this is understood as a prophecy of 'precious things' or 'treasure' pouring into the temple, and this is corroborated in this same verse of Haggai by references to silver and gold, which are obviously things desired and delightful for those who own them. 
In the context of the Advent liturgy, with its emphasis on the world's longing to be redeemed from the slavery of sin and death, and the theme of the opening of salvation to the Gentiles, this antiphon is now referring to Jesus Christ as the One longed-for by all nations.”


I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just: and in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all his wills.
His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth for ever and ever.
He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord:
He hath given food to them that fear him. He will be mindful for ever of his covenant:
He will shew forth to his people the power of his works.
That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of his hands are truth and judgment.
All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, made in truth and equity.
He hath sent redemption to his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continueth for ever and ever.

Then Glory be followed by a repeat of the Antiphon.

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