2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Ps 88; Luke 1:67-79
John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and he spoke God’s message. This message is commonly called the Benedictus. It is a song of thanksgiving for what God has done for him. It has many parallels with Mary’s Magnificat. It is firmly rooted in the Old Testament and the faith chronicle of the people. It speaks of the fulfillment of God’s promise; the manifestation of David’s house as prophesied by Nathan in the first reading and a revelation of the savific plan of Christ. Thus, it is a song of thanksgiving to God for the dawn of salvation; wherein Christ has come to rescue us from the hands of our enemies, enable us to serve him without fear but in holiness and righteousness. Heb. 12:14 reminds us that without holiness no one will see God.
LET US PRAY
Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
