O sacred Lord, leader of ancient Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: rescue us with your mighty power!
The second antiphon begins with the traditional title for Christ, O sacred Lord (O Adonai). “My Lord,” was substituted by devout Jews for the name of “Yahweh”, out of reverence. With this second antiphon we progress from creation to the familiar story of God manifesting himself by name to Moses and giving his law to Israel as their way of life. We are also reminded of the Israelites’ deliverance from bondage under pharaoh as a foreshadowing of our own redemption from sin. The image of God’s arm outstretched in power to save his chosen people also recalls the later scene of Jesus with his arms outstretched for us on the cross.
I am Yahweh. I will free you from the enforced labor of the Egyptians and will deliver you from their slavery. I will rescue you by my outstretched arm and with the mighty acts of judgment.
Exodus 6:6
Today, O sacred Lord, come and breathe Your mighty power into my life.
Smitten With Goodness 