The Canticle of Zechariah

Today's Reflections

The Canticle of Zechariah 

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Lk 1:67-79

⁶⁷Zechariah, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:/ ⁶⁸“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,/ for he has visited and brought redemption to his people./ ⁶⁹He has raised up a horn for our salvation/ within the house of David his servant,/ ⁷⁰even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:/ ⁷¹salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,/ ⁷²to show mercy to our fathers/ and to be mindful of his holy covenant/ ⁷³and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,/ and to grant us that, ⁷⁴rescued from the hand of enemies,/ without fear we might worship him ⁷⁵in holiness and righteousness/ before him all our days./ ⁷⁶And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High,/ for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,/ ⁷⁷to give his people knowledge of salvation/ through the forgiveness of their sins,/ ⁷⁸because of the tender mercy of our God/ by which the daybreak from on high will visit us/ ⁷⁹to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow,/ to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Reflection:

Blessed be the Lord. The canticle of Zechariah is also known as Benedictus, Latin for “blessed.” It is a song of thanksgiving to God because God has been faithful to his promise: to send his only Son Jesus to redeem man from the snares of sin and death. Zechariah rejoices because his son John will prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. More, John will introduce Jesus to the people who have been waiting for the promised Redeemer.

Who are the “blessed”? They are the people who can forgive in spite of their woundedness and brokenness, love even when betrayed or taken for granted, do good even when maligned and misunderstood, speak the truth in spite of ridicule and rejection, suffer and sacrifice anything for the cross and for Christ.

The birth of Jesus fulfills God’s promises. Christmas celebrates God’s love and forgiveness for humankind. This Christmas, let us share more than gifts, cards, carols, and noche buena. As we greet people “Merry Christmas,” let us share with them God’s joy and forgiveness. For Christmas greetings, let us exchange words of acceptance and love.

I am God’s ambassador to others.

I am his mouthpiece, his instrument of goodness,

and his bridge to people.