Word to the Wise
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 - Dec. 24 (morning Mass)
[2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 and Luke 1:67-79]He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David.
A song can say many things that ordinary speech would find it difficult to say! In the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we are treated to two magnificent "canticles" - one from Mary and one from Zechariah. Today's gospel scripture features the Canticle of Zechariah, which is celebrated every day at Morning Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. By featuring it on the eve of Christmas, the church calls attention to the tremendous drama being played out in the form of a single family. God is keeping the great promise made to Abraham and David. John the Baptist will be the new Elijah, the prophet of the Most High! The last lines are built on the hope represented in a new dawning of God's compassion. Only a song can say this properly!
In the midst of all the "Christmas carols" I hope we can listen closely to Zechariah's "carol" and join him in welcoming the "Promised One" who may have been born physically more than 2000 years ago, but who must be born again each year in our hearts, as the great Dominican mystic, Meister Eckhart wrote. Millions of voices can join in the chorus: CHRIST IS BORN! AMEN