Backward Mutters

  • O Lord

    O Lord

    In the liturgy leading up to Christmas Eve, a series of antiphons are added during the last days of Advent. These antiphons are called the Great O Antiphons.  The Great O Antiphon for December 18 is, “O Adonai” or “O Lord.” The antiphon reads, “O Adonai, and leader of the…

  • Wisdom III

    Wisdom III

    December 17 is called Sapientia, for on this day the first of the Great O Antiphons, “Sapientia” is sung in liturgy. We are familiar with the antiphons but in a lesser way as they make up the verses of the Advent carol, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Sapientia means “wisdom.”…

  • Light of the World

    Light of the World

    This is the fourth in a series of ekphrastic poems based upon an Advent art project which Grace Presbyterian is doing to mark the Sundays to Christmas. The project is entitled The Jesse Tree, and you may read more on the Grace Presbyterian website HERE. A talented artist in the…

  • St. Lucy’s Day

    St. Lucy’s Day

    The cloudy sky o’erwhelms the failing sun Who does not show or shine on sleeping trees But wintered ‘way to southern courses run Where the warm breeze blows golden, dappled leaves. Dear Lucy, wreathed in beauty, bearing gifts That we dared not hope for here in the dark And seeing…

  • Suffering Servant

    Suffering Servant

    This is the third in a series of ekphrastic poems which are a part of a Jesse Tree project for Advent. The painting draws its inspiration from the Suffering Servant who is described in Isaiah 53. The sonnet draws its inspiration from both the passage and the painting. Working with…