Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Teach me to praise the Father.
Imagination:
(Picture Zechariah prophesying by God’s Spirit)
Context:
This canticle has two parts. The first half praises God for his blessings to Israel. The second half prophecies the effects of John the Baptist’s ministry.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
Zechariah, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied saying,
Part One
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation within the house of David, his servant, just as he promised through the prophets from of old. He has shown salvation from our enemies and from all who hate us. He shows mercy to our fathers and remembers his holy covenant.
This is the oath which he swore to Abraham, our father, to rescue us from the hands of our enemies, so we might worship him without fear, all the days of our life.”
Part Two
“You, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High for you shall go before the Lord to prepare his way. To give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. To shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. To direct our feet into the way of peace.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you).
- The Holy Spirit falls upon Zechariah like he did upon Elizabeth.
- Zechariah foresees the whole plan of God being fulfilled.
- The Holy Spirit reveals a future divine visitation of Israel.
- Israel will be free to worship God without any fear.
- This child will be “the prophet of the Most High”, greater than any other.
- He is the final prophet, going before the “face of the Lord”.
- He will provide “knowledge of salvation”, so people can seek “forgiveness of their sins.”
- Jesus, the “Dawn from on high”, will enter a human race which lives “in the shadow of death.”
- Everyone’s feet will be directed toward the fullness of God’s blessings.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, save me from my enemies, from temptations, trials, hardships and discouragement.
- Let me worship you without fear!
- Who am I, Lord? Why did you create me? What is my call?
- Jesus, you always go before me and you are with me until the end.
- Fill me with knowledge of salvation and forgiveness of my sins.
- Jesus, you are the Dawn.
- When you come to me, night will end and death will have no power.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will recall the dreams of my youth.
+ I will bless God who does not disappoint.