Prophet of the Most High

Gospel

Luke 1:67-79

'You, little child, shall be the prophet of the Most High'

John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:

‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel

for he has visited his people, he has come to their rescue

and he has raised up for us a power for salvation

in the House of his servant David,

even as he proclaimed,

by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times,

that he would save us from our enemies

and from the hands of all who hate us.

Thus he shows mercy to our ancestors,

thus he remembers his holy covenant

the oath he swore

to our father Abraham

that he would grant us, free from fear,

to be delivered from the hands of our enemies,

to serve him in holiness and virtue

in his presence, all our days.

And you, little child,

you shall be called Prophet of the Most High,

for you will go before the Lord

to prepare the way for him,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins;

this by the tender mercy of our God

who from on high will bring the rising Sun to visit us,

to give light to those who live

in darkness and the shadow of death

and to guide our feet

into the way of peace.’

Short Reflection

Freed from his silence, Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and erupts in a prophetic song that looks far beyond his own newborn son. The Benedictus is a powerful bridge between the ancient promises of God and their imminent fulfillment. Zechariah recognizes that John's birth signals the dawning of the long-awaited Messianic age. He prophesies that his son will be the "Prophet of the Most High" who prepares the way for the Lord Himself—the "rising Sun" who brings light, salvation, and forgiveness. This canticle shifts the focus from the miracle of a birth to the purpose of a life, and ultimately to the identity of the Savior. It reveals that God's ultimate aim is not just to rescue us from enemies, but to guide our feet "into the way of peace," enabling us to serve Him in holiness.

Question for Reflection

How can I, in my own life and circumstances, act as a herald who prepares the way for Christ, pointing others toward His light and the way of peace?

Short Prayer

Lord God, you are the faithful one who remembers your covenant. As you filled Zechariah with your Spirit, open our lips to proclaim your salvation. Make us instruments of your tender mercy, that we might help guide those walking in darkness into the light of Christ, the rising Sun, and into His way of peace. Amen.

Comments

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