O Clavis David

‘It was the simple humanity of Jesus that unlocked the hearts of those he met. They recognised in him one who “did not cling to his equality with God as a thing to be grasped” but became as all men are (Phil 2:6). Seeing this opened a new hope of holiness in them – from Nathaniel and the apostles to Mary Magdalene and the prostitutes. Sanctity was no longer an unreachable goal. Nor was it to be confused with the sanctimonious externals of their Jewish leaders. Heaven was to be found within themselves. 
 
...What was true in Jesus’ time is still true today. The key that releases hope and permits the heart to soar is on the outside. It takes another to turn it so that doors will open on earth and therefore also in heaven. Christians are called to do what Christ did: to set others free to be themselves that they might perceive the value of what they they, might rise above what is false within them and put underfoot all that hinders growth of is unworthy of them’.

​from Seven Bells to Bethlehem: The O Antiphons by ​Fr Oliver Treanor​