Word to the Wise
Saturday, December 24, 2011 -
[2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 and Luke 1:67-79]Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David.......
Two days ago, the "Canticle of Mary," - the "Magnificat" - was the focus of the rich story of Jesus origins and birth in the Gospel of Luke. Today we have a second hymn from that same story: the "Benedictus." The father of John the Baptist sings this hymn of praise when John is born. The church sings this same hymn every morning at the Liturgy of the Hours, just as we sing the Magnificat every evening at Evening Prayer. Throughout the year, every day, the church proclaims the plan of salvation contained in these two hymns!
Abraham, David and John the Baptist all make an appearance in this hymn. The broad scope of what this season celebrates is laid out before us! I suggest taking this hymn and reading (or better, singing) it in front of the manger scene. This makes the "local" and the "universal" come together in one voice and in all hearts. AMEN