Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Luke 1:67-79
The narrative impact of the Benedictus follows on Zachariah’s nine months of enforced silence. His too narrow religious perspective did not allow him to believe Gabriel’s announcement that his wife would bear them a son.
Throughout Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zechariah, too, had to conceive anew his relationship with God. His consciousness had to be as stretched out of comfort and shape as his wife’s aged body.
Now that his expectations had been turned upside down, he not only sees with clarity what he could not previously comprehend, but he sings it. His is a canticle I return to again and again; it’s a lyrical synopsis of the Good News and, I find, generates hope when I’m ready to give up.
I’ll refer you to one verse and recommend that you re-explore it for yourself.
Zechariah sings that God does not grant us knowledge of salvation through our education, cleverness or I.Q., or even our virtues and achievements, but by the forgiveness of…sins. That is indeed Good News and describes an encounter with God accessible to each and every one of us.