Saturday Vigil Homily – O Key of David “God Opens the Door to Salvation”

Tonight the Church calls on Christ with one of the most powerful titles of Advent:

O Key of David.

A key does not argue.
A key does not explain.
A key opens what is locked.

And that is exactly what God is doing in tonight’s readings.

In the first reading, King Ahaz is in trouble.
The future is uncertain.
Fear is closing in.

God offers him help:

“Ask the Lord your God for a sign.”

But Ahaz refuses.

He sounds pious:
“I will not test the Lord.”

In reality, he does not want God involved.
He wants control.
He wants to manage the situation himself.

So God gives the sign anyway: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son.”

This is crucial.

Salvation does not depend on human confidence or cooperation alone.
God acts first.
Grace takes the initiative.

The door is unlocked from God’s side — even when human fear keeps it shut.

Matthew then shows us how that sign is fulfilled.

Joseph is faced with confusion and risk.
His plans collapse.
His reputation is at stake.

And God speaks — quietly, clearly: “Do not be afraid.”

Joseph is told to name the child Jesus,
because “He will save His people from their sins.”

That is the mission.

Joseph does not argue.
He does not delay.
He obeys.

And by his obedience, the door opens.

Salvation enters the world not through power,
but through trust.

St Paul helps us understand what is happening.

He speaks of the “obedience of faith.”

That phrase matters.

Faith is not just believing something is true.
It is allowing God to act.
It is unlocking the door and stepping back.

Paul says this Gospel was promised long ago,
through the prophets,
and is now revealed in Jesus Christ,
true God and true man.

The Key of David is not an idea.
He is a Person.

Christ opens what no human effort can open:
forgiveness, reconciliation, eternal life.

The O Antiphon puts it plainly:

“You open and no one can shut;
You shut and no one can open.”

Christ opens the door between heaven and earth.
He opens the door blocked by sin.
He opens the door we cannot force open ourselves.

But — and this matters —
He does not break the door down.

Ahaz keeps it shut.
Joseph opens it.

The difference is not intelligence.
It is trust.

As Christmas approaches,
this vigil places a clear question before us:

What is still locked in my life?

Fear.
Control.
A sin I refuse to surrender.
A door I will not let God open.

Christ comes tonight holding the key.
Not to accuse. But to save.

But He waits for consent.

Salvation is offered freely.
It must be received freely.

Tonight the Church prays with confidence:

O Key of David, come.

Open what is closed in us.
Unlock forgiveness.
Unlock hope.
Unlock salvation.

And like Joseph,
may we rise from our fear,
do what the Lord commands,
and make room for the Saviour who comes.