While standing at the threshold of Christmas today’s gospel gives us the canticle of Zechariah ‘Benedictus’ which he sang being filled with Holy Spirit on the eighth day after his son John’s birth when all had assembled for his Circumcision and Naming ceremony.
Zechariah has two main reasons to praise God namely, (1) God has remembered the promise of a Savior! (2) God’s promise of a forerunner to Savior is full filling in John the Baptist.
Benedictus could be considered as a symphony composed by the Spirit revealing the grandeur of God’s redemptive plan. There are four elements in this prophetic song of praise and prayer.
Firstly, God Protects. God is there to defend them from all harm and danger, and this is manifested through out salvation history. Secondly, God Promises. God is faithful to his word and never revokes what he has promised. Thirdly, God Prepares. God sends prophets to call people back to him. And finally send God the Baptist to urge people to repentance.
Fourthly, God Guides. God guides his people into the way of peace.
Fr. Jerry Joseph Vallomkunnel MCBS