These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

December 20

O Clavis David:
“O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.”

O Clavis David is based on two verses from the book of the prophet Isaiah:
“I will place the Key of the House of David
on His shoulder;
what he opens, no one will shut,
what he shuts, no one will open.” (22:22)
and also:
“His dominion is vast and forever peaceful,
from David’s throne, and over His kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice, both now and forever.” (9:6).

 

 

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home,
Make safe the way that leads on high,
That we no more have cause to sigh.