THE OLD CATHOLIC MISSION IN SUSSEX

O Rising Dawn, Radiance of the Lighteternal and Sun of Justice: come and enlighten those who sit in darknessand in the shadow of death.

Isaiah 9:1: "The people who walked in darkness haveseen a great light. Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light hasshone".Malachi 3:20: "For you who fear my name, therewill arise the sun of justice with its healing rays".

2 Peter 1:19: "Keep your attention closely fixedon it, as you would on a lamp shining in a dark place, until the firststreaks of dawn appear and the morning star rises in your heart".

This title is variously translated "morning star","Dayspring", "rising sun", "radiant dawn", "orient".  All beautifullyexpress the idea of light shattering the darkness of night, of sin anddeath, of sickness and despair, with its brightness bringing healing andwarmth to cold hearts.  Jesus is indeed the true light, the radianceof his Father's splendor. The church prays this petition daily inthe Benedictus, joining in the words of Zechariah: "He, the Dayspring,shall visit us in his mercy to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death"  (Luke 1:78-79).