December 17 – O Sapientia

O Sapientia (Wisdom from the Most High)

LATIN: O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodidisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviter disponensque omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.   (Listen here)
ENGLISH: O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come, and teach us the way of prudence.

O most perfect wisdom!
O holy word which trips upon the lips of God!
Before the world took its shape,
or creation its form;
Before the apostle penned his words,
or Moses ascended the mountain,
or Abraham looked upon the numberless stars,
Before human lungs first filled with the fragrant air of God’s garden—
You Are.

Cells and stars, galaxies and grains of sand—
your lace woven of time and space.
The melodies of matter and energy intone together,
lilting strains in your symphony of the spheres.
There is no darkness where your light does not permeate;
no corner where your name is not written.

O sweet sapience spanning from inception to cessation!
Where we grope in the darkness
where we falter, alone and afraid,
lend us your light!
Bring prudence to your people.
Teach us your precepts and guide us in the way of peace.
The Word of God brings forth life which is light for all humanity;
come and illuminate with the life only you can give!
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” vs 2

O come, O Wisdom from on high,
embracing all things far and nigh:
in strength and beauty come and stay;
teach us your will and guide our way.

Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.