Emmanuel, the Great Catechist

Joe Paprocki Advent

O Come Emmanuel - By Einsideln (http://www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/list/one/sbe/0611) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

During Advent, we sing the traditional hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” a beautiful song based on the “O” Antiphons from the Liturgy of the Hours (Vespers) for the octave (eight days) before Christmas (beginning December 17).

One verse of that song is of particular interest to catechists, because it speaks of our longing for being taught to live according to God’s way:

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

This verse expresses our inner desire to be taught properly so that we may find the right path. Deep within, we all desire rich and profound catechesis—teaching that leads us to know God. When we pray for the coming of Emmanuel, we are praying for the coming of “the Great Catechist”—the One who teaches us the path to God.

P.S. Enjoy this meditative version of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” on YouTube.

Image (cropped) by Einsideln under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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