O Rex Gentium

Written by Brandon Roberts

In this antiphon, we reflect on Christ as King of the Nations. In “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” the verses that were penned & then sung by so many saints in history that speak to this are the following: 

O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart & mind;
O Bid our sad divisions cease, 
And be for us our king of peace.

These are the same nations in Psalm 2 that have raged and plotted a vain thing against God. This same God is the one who, while not desiring that any should perish and who takes no delight in the death of the wicked, will judge between the nations. He will cause the nations to make their weapons of war into tools for agriculture, and he will reign in a peace that shall never end. This will not be any superficial peace. His reign of peace will uphold justice and righteousness and cause the inhabitants of His kingdom to sing about the goodness, greatness, and justice of His deeds! But how does this God and King bring in those nations which rage and plot against Him? He does so by condescending into time and matter, which He Himself has both created and continues to uphold. He offers himself as a sacrifice, breaking down the wall of hostility that separates us from Christ. To those who accept His offer of mercy and grace, he is peace to those who are far off and to those who are near! It is this ministry of peaceful reconciliation through His willing death that He has given to us, that we may live for Him, pleading for those same nations to experience this reconciliation to God. This forgiveness, which only He can offer through Himself, gives us a holy fear that is due unto His name. Truly there is none like Him among the nations. There is salvation in none other. 

Prayer: 

Blessed are you Jesus, Lord, our God, King of the Universe

Who while we were dead in our trespasses & sins has, in Your great mercy,

Called us out from among the nations & unto Yourself 

as a royal priesthood & a holy nation.

May You, by the Power of Your Spirit, grant us the grace to proclaim Your excellencies unto the nations.

That by grace, through faith, you stand alone to save. 
Your arm is not too short to save,

And there is none like You.