Those who regularly pray the Liturgy of the Hours recite or sing the Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus–Lk 1:68-79) at Lauds, the Canticle of Mary (Magnificat–Lk 1:46-55) at Vespers, and the Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis–2:29-32) at Night Prayer (Compline) every day. These “songs of praise” appear only in the Gospel of Luke but are essential to understanding the radical message at the center of the Gospel itself. With daily repetition through the years, it is easy to let these radical proclamations pass our lips without attending to the depth of the message.
These songs are proclamations of radical reversal. The mighty will be toppled, and the lowly will be raised up. The rich will be sent away empty while the hungry shall be fed. The arrogant of mind and heart will be conquered by the might of God’s power (Lk 1:51-53). Light will appear for those who sit in darkness and in death’s shadow. AND this Light will be a light of revelation for Gentiles and glory for the people of Israel (1:32). God’s powerful action changes EVERYTHING. And, not just a little change, but a whole lot of it!
The birth of Jesus was only the beginning of the “something new” that was taking place in real time. In the public life of Jesus, his teachings, his actions, and his works of power were all revelatory glimpses of a truth that the world was yearning for yet not wholly ready to recognize or to accept. In the paschal moment of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection, reality shifted even further—a new world order became possible, and not only possible, but also visible in the lives of ordinary persons touched by the Spirit of the Risen Christ. The resurrection confirmed the truth of Jesus’ identity, message and purpose. A radical reversal was initiated. St. Paul’s conversion story is one example among many that illustrate the radical reversal contained in the Gospel message–the “Good News” of salvation and the Kingdom of God.
As Christians, we pray these songs of the Gospel daily to reconnect ourselves to the power of the proclamation we have dedicated ourselves to. To live is Christ. To die is gain. To love without condition or restraint or limit is the way to abundant and eternal life. Mercy, compassion and justice for all persons are, collectively, the one true pathway to peace, both inner peace and communal peace. Everything else doesn’t come close in value or meaning or capacity to bring joy and fulfillment to the human heart and soul. Furthermore, this message is for all persons regardless of age, race, sex, nationality, language, socio-economic circumstance, etc. “In Christ,” St. Paul writes, “we are a new creation” (2 Cor 5:17). Baptized into Christ, we are all children of God, equal to one another in dignity and value. The distinctions between us count for nothing. (See Galatians 3:26-29) Yet even those who do not believe as we believe are to be treated with honor and dignity as human persons because WE believe in the One who died to set all people free from tyranny, oppression, and every form of injustice. Our salvation is a gift–a radical gift–a gift that makes demands of us if we want to keep it.
So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, may we give one another the gift that keeps on giving—the gift of radical love born of faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. In him, we can turn the world upside down. Be a gift of light for those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Give the gift of presence to the isolated, the suffering, and the lonely ones. Share mercy and compassion with love and empathy.
By Sister Therese Haydel, OSB