SINGING A SONG OF PRAISE DURING A DIFFICULT TIME
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free.” -Luke 1:68
The Canticle of Zechariah is normally said during Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. After being mute from slumber, we are invited to sing this song of praise. The daily repetitive nature of the scripture can lose its effect and can easily become rote. Yet, can we contemplate what it was like for Zechariah to say these words?
Imagine, he is a learned and faithful priest performing the ritual incensation of the temple. When all of a sudden, an angel tells him that his wife will bear a son. Dumbstruck, he questions its plausibility. His advanced age, life experience, and self knowledge all point to the impossibility of new life being gifted to him and Elizabeth. He is left mute because the angel recognized that even devout followers of God can leave little room for the impossible to happen. Zechariah is not left mute permanently, but just enough to signal to him and to those around him that something incredible is about to happen. What frees his tongue is the sight of his son and the affirmation of his name, John. Zechariah now realizes that God has and continues to do extraordinary things, and his immediate response is to sing the Benedictus, a song of praise.
During these difficult days, it is easy to rationalize doubt and despair and to ignore the various ways God is currently working within our world and within us. We are asked to prepare the way because light is about to dispel the darkness in the form of the Christ Child. Even when we cannot understand it, in earnestness, in humility, in trust, and in faith let us sing a song of praise to show the world that there is reason to hope. The very gift of our life is a testament that God continues to “shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” Out of love, the Incarnate Word has entered our reality. We are not alone. May that be enough for us to sing a hymn of praise.
How are you preparing to welcome Christ into your heart? How is God inviting you to share hope with others?
Alex Llanera SJ
Photo credit: Domenico Ghirlandaio