Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Mass in the Morning
Luke 1: 67-79
A Vision of Mercy, Peace, and Prophetic Hope

The Canticle of Zechariah, also known as the Benedictus, offers a reflection on God’s fidelity and mercy. Rooted in the faith of the early Christian community, this hymn of praise celebrates the fulfilment of divine promises, and the Church uses this daily in the morning prayers.
The Canticle of Praise opens with expressions of gratitude for God’s presence among His people, highlighting His eternal love for them. Let’s consider what it signifies for us today to sing this song of praise at the beginning of each day. After a night of sleep that metaphorically silences us, God allows us to speak again, and one of our first acts is to offer this blessing as the dawn breaks to illuminate our lives and lead us to peace.

In Benedictus, we align ourselves with the mission of St. John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Lord by witnessing God’s salvation and living simply and penitently. Our daily task, then, is to use our voices—like Zechariah and his son, John the Baptist—to share God’s presence with everyone we encounter.

In the song of Zachariah, he foresees that: “the sun that rises from above will visit us …”. God continues to be with his people – visit his people. And each faithful receives the call to be the prophet to prepare the ways of God.

Would you dare to make a song to the Lord for the mercies you have received in abundance from your God? Are you joining this beautiful mission to which the Lord invites you to? Do you have a beautiful wish as you move on to celebrate Christmas?

 © Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024