Luke 1: 67-79
”Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has come to his people and set them
free.”
Yesterday’s gospel teaches us how God shows
his mercy upon the house of Zechariah.
So, the moment the holy old man regains his speech at the birth of his
son, the words that explode from his lips are words of praises. If Mary would sing her Magnificat for the
great things the Almighty has done unto her, today, Zechariah would echo to the
world his Benedictus, praising and blessing God who has remembered his
promise of mercy. --- Zechariah’s Benedictus divided into two parts. Let
us try to follow this literary pattern for our reflection.
1.The first part recalls the three phases of salvation history in the
Old Testament: God’s promise to David, God's mighty deeds in exodus, and God’s
covenant with Abraham. These are big and significant events in the Old
Testament that would all point out to Christ, the climax of salvation history.
a. “He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of
his servant David. "No other Old Testament king is so dear to God than
David and this is not only because David happens to be God's finest choice, but
also because David in person is just and faithful. Of course, he failed but
once, and he regretted over it so much. All through his days from a mere
shepherd boy of the house of Jesse up to his highest Kingdom of Israel - David
always tried to be worthy as Yahweh’s servant. Thus, the divine blessing and
promise would stay upon his house and his kingdom would never end (cf 2
Sam 1: 16). This prophecy is fulfilled in Zechariah’s Benedictus.
b. "He would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all
who hate us.” The exodus event makes the Jews who they are as people of
God. Any Jew who knows not or remembers not the mighty deeds of the Lord in
Egypt is no Jew at all. The feast of the Passover Meal, which the Jews
celebrate periodically, commemorates this passage of deliverance. Again, it is a commemoration of liberation and
salvation. The Benedictus of Zechariah now recalls it, for not any
longer this redemptive act commemorated at
the Passover meal shall soon be inaugurated at the table
of Christ's sacrifice.
c. "He promised to
show mercy to our Fathers, to Abraham and his
children forever.” Jewish history begins with the call of Abraham. That is
why every Jew points out to Abraham as his father. Not only did God promise
Abraham with land where milk and honey overflow.
He was also promised to be the father of a great nation. To human
understanding, it was not that easy. Isaac was born at their old age. But
everything has to be fulfilled, for it is a promise of mercy. The Benedictus of
Zechariah carries the same sentiments of joy and gratitude. A similar blessing
of mercy comes upon his house. But all this is in view of a new people and a
new nation, which is to be born by the blood of the Lamb.
2. The second part speaks
about the role of John in this great unfolding
of God's saving acts. "And you, my
child, shall be called the prophet of the most high, for you will go before the
Lord to prepare his way.” John's special mission was revealed to Zechariah
by the angel. As early as that announcement, he was already told about the
destiny of his son. But his doubt proved heavier than his faith. Thus, he was deprived of speech until all these wonders shall
unfold before his eyes.
Zechariah’s Benedictus
is now his bold articulation of a truth long unspoken. It is that song which
clears his slightest doubt and expresses with
clarity and vigor that the Messiah long awaited is near, and that his time of
reign is soon. Thus, everything must be prepared. And such preparation must start now; now, that his son
is born. God now carries out his salvific plan through his son, John, the
Messiah's herald. Through John, people shall know about salvation that shall
come through the forgiveness of sins and
through God's tender compassion. Through John, all must know that the dawn from on high shall break upon us
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide
our feet into the way of peace!"