Advent II: December 24th Gospel: Luke 1:67-79 The Canticle of Zacharias
Today is the seventh day of the second phase of Advent, and this evening, we will enter the eight-day celebration of Christmas. According to tradition, our mother church will hold a vigil Mass and a nocturnal Mass for the Nativity of Jesus, to help us properly prepare our hearts and minds, quietly waiting beside the manger in Bethlehem for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the gospel of today, we hear the hymn of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Zechariah hesitated when the Archangel Gabriel announced to him, and thus, until the birth of John the Baptist, he became mute and unable to speak. However, when he saw all that God had spoken through the angel fulfilled in Elizabeth, and when he personally witnessed the birth of John the Baptist as promised by the Archangel, he sang this wonderful hymn.
In this hymn, Zacharias elucidates the great power wielded by the God of Israel upon His people from the time of the Old Testament era until the birth of John the Baptist (cf. Luke 1:68-75). He also mentions the mission of John the Baptist (cf. Luke 1:76-79) as an example for us.
Today, we too should emulate Zacharias and experience God’s love in our lives, always praising God for all that He has done for us, and extolling Him from the depths of our hearts.
Advent II: December 23rd Gospel: Luke 1:57-66 The birth of John the Baptist
In daily life, when our neighbours’ families welcome a new addition, or when our own relatives do so, we extend our congratulations and share in their joy. Likewise, when Zacharias’ family welcomes a new addition, his neighbours and relatives will surely rejoice with them, just as we do.
For us, the birth of John the Baptist brings joy, as it signifies that we are nearing the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. The birth of John the Baptist heralds that the people who live under the shadow of darkness and death will see their Savior, and they will be illuminated by the light of God, which has existed since the beginning of creation.
Today, Elizabeth and Zacharias unanimously announced to their neighbours and relatives, “His name is John.” The name John was precisely the one that the angel Gabriel had told Zacharias (cf. Lk 1:12-13). The meaning of John is God has shown mercy, manifested His kindness, and demonstrated His benevolence. Elizabeth and Zacharias did this because they had already experienced the love that God had shown them, which made them no longer live as they used to. They no longer lived in the world of the Old Testament, but in the world of God, that is, in the love of God.
Advent is a time of joy and anticipation. Today, let us emulate the virtues of Elizabeth and Zacharias, generously fulfilling God’s holy will and faithfully carrying out the mission He has entrusted to each of us.
Advent II: December 22 Gospel: Luke 1:46-56 The Magnificat: Hymn of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Luke continues to recount the dialogue between the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Elizabeth during Mary’s visitation. Witnessing the divine graces God had worked in Elizabeth and reflecting on how God would further accomplish His redemptive plan through her, Mary offers this sublime hymn of praise to God.
If we attentively meditate on Mary’s canticle, we discern her defining virtue: she perpetually centres God, continually magnifying His Favor toward her. In this hymn—sung throughout the ages—the Blessed Mother fully manifests her love for God and humanity in her earthly journey, serving as both witness and model.
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-50): “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon His lowly servant. From this day forward, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name. His mercy extends from age to age to those who fear Him.” This passage illuminates God’s condescending love—seeking the free consent of those created in His image. Mary, stirred by the Holy Spirit’s grace, offers heartfelt praise, becoming for us a paragon of faith and surrender.
The Canticle Continues (Luke 1:51-52): “He has shown strength with His arm, scattered the proud in their conceit, cast down the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.” Here, God’s preferential love for the marginalized is revealed. This is an invitation to seek out the vulnerable, the poor, and the overlooked in our midst, embodying Christ’s own solidarity with the least.
The Final Strophe (Luke 1:53-55): “He has filled the hungry with good things, sent the rich away empty, remembered His mercy toward Israel as promised to our ancestors—extending grace to Abraham and his heirs forever.” This affirms God’s faithful covenant love. Mary’s life, lived in steadfast fidelity to God’s will, models for us how to embrace our baptismal calling. Today, we are called to imitate her fidelity in fulfilling the mission entrusted to each by God.
In this sacred Advent season, let us quiet our hearts to hear God’s voice—speaking within our souls, pouring forth graces. By His boundless love, He strengthens us to live each day with purpose, preparing to welcome Christ’s coming anew.
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God Incarnate, Mother Most Beloved, pray for us to the Lord. Amen.
全属于祢 
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