O Adonai

Maria Montemayor

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Come,
Leader of ancient Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
rescue us with your mighty power!

“Adonai” means “my Lord,” and is an ancient title of God. The Antiphon prayer reflects on God who spoke to Moses by the burning bush and gave him the Ten Commandments.

A few months ago, I wrote about climbing Mount Sinai (Mount Horeb). I had difficulty breathing while I went up the steep steps and the climb never seemed to end. But the Catholic hymn, “Only a Shadow,” somehow entered my heart. It reminded me of God's love and helped me get to the top of the mountain.

“Moses went up to the mountain of God. Then Adonai called to him from the mountain, saying: This is what you will say to the house of Jacob; tell the Israelites: You have seen how I treated the Egyptians and how I bore you up on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” (Exodus 19:3-4)

Moses was much older than me when he made the climb up “the mountain of God.” I am sure that Moses relied on Adonai to help him persevere up the mountain. Once he reached the top of the mountain, God reminded him of His saving power, which He extended to the Israelites. Similarly, I was reminded of God’s mighty power when I reached the top of the mountain.

Whether we are literally climbing up a mountain or figuratively facing mountains in our day-to-day lives, Jesus as Adonai and Messiah will always rescue us. As Advent draws to a close, let us lean on Christ whenever we feel afraid, worried, tired, stressed, impatient, angry, or nervous. Jesus, we trust in You.