The Canticle of Zechariah

Summer is officially in full swing! Swimming pools are brimming with children, airplanes are filled with seasonal travelers, and almost every afternoon in Atlanta, a thunderstorm kicks up its heels.

In the midst of Summer Ordinary Time the Church celebrates the Nativity of John the Baptist on June 24, which falls on Sunday this year. We observe the nativity of John the Baptist near the summer solstice, which heralds the beginning of shorter days and longer nights. On the other hand, we celebrate the birth of Jesus around the winter solstice, the beginning of shorter nights and longer days. Thus John’s words which announce the coming of Christ, “He must increase; I must decrease,” are echoed in the cosmos.

To mark today’s solemnity we will sing the Benedictus, also known as the “Canticle of Zechariah,” found in the Gospel of Luke (1:68-79). Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, sang this canticle following the birth of his son. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were well past the age of childbearing when the angel Gabriel announced that his wife would bear a son. When Zechariah doubted the news, he was rendered mute, but when his son was born, Zechariah’s eyes were opened, his heart was changed and his tongue was freed to utter these words: 

 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Luke 1:68-79

Zechariah’s prophesy foretold the good news of Christ’s birth to a world that was in chaos and in danger of losing hope. His words offered the certain hope that God keeps God’s promises.

Those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours know these words as an integral part of Morning Prayer. Morning after morning the Church, like Zechariah, declares the faithfulness of God.

When our faith waivers, may these words reassure us of God’s presence and may our tongues be freed to utter a song of profound praise.