(Lk 1:67-79)
The anthem is a prayer of praise from the first communities, and it gives us an idea of how the life of faith and liturgy were lived: both celebration of the mystery, profession, animation of hope and catechesis.
The Canticle of Zechariah is maintained at a Judaizing theological level that expresses the fulfilment of the Covenant, and sparks joy at the awareness of having been visited by God.
In the Son, the Eternal Father ‘comes’ to crown the Promises.
The poem responds to the same scheme of Mary’s hymn (vv.46-55) that praises God because he reveals his power in a convergent and crucial way, giving us the pace of a life freed from oppression.
In the birth of John the Christ is announced: the expectation of Israel - here still vaguely confused with a dominant (Davidic) Sprout with cultural veins bound, particular.
Now, however, the hearts’ expectation is made alive in a reality of human union - unpredictable for target, unilateral cultures: in different way than one would expect.
A whole people is priestly.
Finally comes the world of truth and fulness in living: of divine presence not plastered, but ‘in the midst’.
Certainty specified in the traditional forms of the "chosen nation", on which, however, the confidence generated by the experience of a new fraternal order is raised.
The intervention of John and Jesus substantiates the invoking fullness of times. Thus «the God of Israel visited and made the redemption for his people, and aroused for us a horn of salvation» (vv.68-69).
In this passage from the First to the New Alliance, the communities of Lk express a desire to witness to convictions of Faith now «without fear» (v.74), with a sense of Presence: «in front» (vv.75.76).
This is due to the awareness of unconditional «forgiveness», and «knowledge»: «Way of Peace» (vv.77.79).
An experience that evolves by harmonizing the ancient Scriptures, letting a new Liberation advance.
“Ransom” for intrinsic, not accessory work: action of the Light that avoids condemnations; only conciliates.
The unity of salvation history produces the release of its spiritual, social and criterion needs, no more with conventional disputes - in the Dawn of the expected Messiah.
[Weekday Liturgy, December 24]
