The Presentation of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Is The Presentation of The Blessed Virgin Mary Today? So, join in singing PRAISE BE TO THE LORD, the Benedictus-Song of Zechariah... This Song of Zechariah is The Song of a Heart Set Free
- Luke 1:68-79

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel;

He has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets, he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our lives.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God,
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Key Themes and Commentary

1. Praise for God's Faithfulness (Verses 68-70):

Zechariah begins by blessing God for "visiting and redeeming his people." The term "visited" reflects God's active involvement in human history, particularly in fulfilling His covenant promises. The reference to the "horn of salvation" speaks of the strength and power of the Messiah, who comes from the house of David, as foretold by the prophets.

2. Salvation and Deliverance (Verses 71-75):

Zechariah highlights God's plan to deliver His people from their enemies. This deliverance is not only political but spiritual, as it enables believers to serve God "without fear, in holiness, and righteousness." This underscores a restored relationship with God, where worship and obedience flow from a heart freed from bondage.

3. John's Role as the Forerunner (Verses 76-77):

Zechariah shifts focus to his son, John, who will be "a prophet of the Most High." John’s mission is to prepare the way for the Lord by proclaiming the message of salvation through the forgiveness of sins. This preparation aligns with the Old Testament prophecy about the coming of one who will "prepare the way of the Lord" (Isaiah 40:3).

4. The Coming of the Messiah (Verses 78-79):

Zechariah concludes with a beautiful description of the Messiah as the "rising sun" or "day spring." This imagery symbolizes light breaking into darkness, bringing hope, peace, and guidance to those "sitting in darkness and the shadow of death." The Messiah will lead people into the path of peace, offering reconciliation with God and others.

Summary

Zechariah's song celebrates God's faithfulness in bringing salvation through the Messiah and preparing the way through John the Baptist. It reflects God's mercy, the fulfilment of His promises, and His desire to bring light, peace, and redemption to His people.