Breaking the Word

4^th Week of Advent, Friday – 24^th December 2021 — Gospel: Lk 1,67-79

God’s Visit of Salvation

Zechariah’s doubt at the words of the angel brought about nine months of divinely imposed silence. When his tongue was finally loosened, Zechariah’s actions stunned those present. Prayer had opened Zechariah’s heart so that he could eagerly accept God’s plan. No longer did it seem odd to him, but rather exciting and marvelous. His canticle encloses John’s future within a broader theme: in the birth of this child God has set in motion the promised messianic liberation. In his prophecy, at the beginning and again at the end there appears the notion of “God’s visit”: “God has visited his people and worked their redemption” (1,68) and “the Dawn from on high will visit us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (1,78). In the biblical tradition God “visits” the people to save them. The biblical idea of “visitation” can imply judgment. In this context, John was to preach the “tender mercies” of God, so that the people’s hearts would be open to receive the Saviour when he appeared. Preparing the way of the Lord will consist in giving to the people “knowledge of salvation through release from their sins” (1,77). People are “saved” like Zechariah, when they come to realize the knowledge of salvation that is in their hearts.

4^th Week of Advent, Thursday – 23^rd December 2021 — Gospel:  Lk 1,57-66.80

Significant Birth in Salvation History

From the moment of John the Baptist’s conception the people and relatives of their parents recognized this child having a special role in God’s plan. The way his birth had been foretold by the angel, his father being struck speechless until John’s circumcision, the birth to an elderly couple, the special name of John signifying “God is gracious” being given to the child, the angel disclosing to Mary about Elizabeth, and the personal visit of Mary – all these are special signs that John was to play a significant part in the salvation history.

Each element in his birth is very important. The report of the birth like, “Elizabeth bore a son” echoes the words of the angel, “your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Lk 1,13). When her neighbours and relatives heard of the birth, they rejoiced with her, thereby fulfilling the angel’s predication that “many will rejoice at his birth” (Lk 1,14). Again the report of John’s circumcision on the eighth day in accordance with the Mosaic Law adds one more facet to Luke’s portrayal of the heritage and piety in Israel. The naming of John and Zechariah’s recovery brought fear and amazement both to the neighbours and throughout the hill country of Judea. It shows that the effect of their amazement led the people to speculate over the identity of this child. It is fitting, as we prepare for the birth of Jesus, to focus on the significant role of his cousin who was born just six months before Him, who herald the coming of the Messiah.