O Root of Jesse, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.

Today’s ‘O Antiphon‘ is based on Isaiah chapter 11. The prophet Isaiah prophesied that “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots”…Jesus Christ, Eternal God, was born into the line of David, son of Jesse. What was reduced to a stump was revitalized through a new shoot—the Infant Christ, Everlasting King: “Him shall the nations seek, and his dwellings shall be glorious”! May He come to dwell in you and me!

O Child Jesus, whose forehead is adorned with a crown, I accept You as my absolute sovereign, I do not wish to serve any longer the evil one, my passions, or sin. Reign, O Jesus over this poor heart and make it all Yours forever.

– from Infant Jesus Novena