O Radix Jesse

This means:  O Root of Jesse.  It is a title for Jesus from the Old Testament.  Jesse was the Father of King David.  The first reading from this Sunday we will hear that the Messiah will come from Bethlehem of the line of King David, from Jesse.  Here are some passages from scripture:

Isaiah 11:1   "A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots."

Isaiah 11:10   "On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious."

In many Cathedrals there are stained glass windows with Jesse at the bottom with a tree growing out of his side.  At the top of the tree in the window is Jesus.

Here is the Antiphon for today:

O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples;
before you kings will shut their mouths,
to you the nations will make their prayer:
Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

peace